AUGUSTA, Maine — A mid-week storm looms on the horizon, predicted to sweep through Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. The forecast includes a mix of snow and heavy rain—raising concerns about potential power outages.
While Central Maine Power (CMP) is gearing up for the impending weather, the outlook seems more optimistic than the challenges they faced during the recent storm on Dec. 18.
Despite the forecast, CMP is taking precautions to minimize service disruptions.
"We don't think this storm will be as severe as the storm we saw just before Christmas, but we are making preparations nonetheless," CMP Spokesperson Jon Breed, said.
As of Monday afternoon, CMP did not have a precise prediction for the number of power outages that may accompany Wednesday's storm.
However, Breed highlighted the positive impact of their new grid-based automatic restoration system, which played a crucial role in swiftly restoring power during the last storm. In some instances the system rerouted electricity in less than five minutes, providing a more efficient response to outages.
"Now remember during a storm like this, when wind speeds are high, we can't always put people up in bucket trucks, for the safety of our crews," Breed said. "While we wait for that weather to move out, we are assisting local emergency agencies in coordination with the state to clear roads and power lines that may come down and present a hazard to the public," he added.
CMP has assembled a response team of 350 crew members, including workers from out of state. These crews will be strategically pre-staged during the storm, ready to mobilize and address outages on Wednesday.
Versant Power, another major utility company, is also gearing up for the storm and focusing its preparations predominantly on coastal areas.
"We are expecting a multi-day restoration; we encourage people to be prepared for that outage," Tina Morrill, Versant Power communications specialist, said.
Both power companies are reminding residents of Maine to exercise caution during and after the storm.
It is crucial to avoid touching downed power lines, as they can pose significant dangers. Additionally, if power is lost, residents are urged not to use outdoor heating sources, indoors.
Residents in southern Maine and along the coastline are advised to be prepared for potential outages, and prioritize safety during and after the adverse weather conditions.