CL&P Opens Emergency Operations Center

Connecticut Light and Power has opened its Emergency Operations Center and put about 800 crew members on stand-by to respond to power outages. 

However, the repairs won't begin until the storm has moved through the state. “During the height of the storm, we will not have our crews out in the field," said Jeff Butler, CL&P president and chief operating officer. 

“Once conditions allow, we will begin responding to 911 calls to de-energize downed wires and make the area safe.  At the same time, we will work with town public works crews to clear roads for emergency vehicles and begin restoring power to our customers.”   

During and after the storm, CL&P encourages customers to: 

• Stay at least 10 feet away from all wires! Assume any downed, hanging or burning power lines are live and dangerous. If a power line falls on your vehicle while you’re inside, stay there.  Don’t touch anything outside the vehicle and wait for emergency crews.  Call 9-1-1 immediately with any emergency condition.   
• To report outages or check the status of an outage visit cl-p.com or call 800-286-2000.  Our automated phone and on-line systems rapidly process your report and help us speed restoration efforts.  They also provide restoration estimates as soon as they’re available. 
• Do you have a generator?  Make sure it has been properly installed by a licensed electrician.  Improperly installed generators can feed electricity back into power lines and pose a deadly situation for line and emergency restoration workers.  Always operate generators outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide hazards. 

For helpful tips and news updates, go to our website at cl-p.com, follow us on Twitter@CTLightandPower and like us at Facebook.com/CTLightandPower.  You can also get updates on outages in your town by texting “outage” and your zip code to 24612.