How to cope if a storm knocks your power out
Be Prepared
Providing reliable, trouble-free electric service is our top priority. Despite our best efforts, severe weather and the lightning, heavy winds and rain that usually accompany storms are a major cause of power outages. See Storm FAQs for answers to your questions about electric service after a storm.
Here are some tips to help you Act Like Noah and be prepared for, and cope with, power outages.
We’re Prepared, Too
Before, During and After the Storm
Long before a storm hits, we’ve prepared by tracking the path of any severe
weather conditions predicted for our area. We use the latest radar and weather
monitoring equipment and have CL&P’s crews ready to respond.
Stay away from downed power lines
Treat all downed or hanging wires as if they are “live”—energized—and do not go near them. Just because wires may have been knocked around doesn’t mean they’re “dead.” Report any downed, hanging, or burning wires to the police or fire department.
Call us
We’re here to answer your calls 24 hours a day, every day. Our Customer Service representatives will be happy to help you with any of your questions. During a storm your call is very important to us. Your reports identifying trouble spots or emergencies such as downed or burning wires are helpful as we patrol lines for areas of damage.
Call us at 1-800-286-2000 (947-2000 in the Hartford area or 860-947-2000 from Meriden) to report any emergency such as downed, hanging or burning wires or if you see a flash or hear a loud noise.
Our automated phone system is quick and easy to use. It’s the most effective way to report a power outage. The automated system rapidly processes your report and provides restoration update information to you if it’s available for your area.
Stayed Tuned
Be ready to stay informed of the storm’s path, our restoration progress, as
well as safety tips and clean-up operations. Depending on the severity of any
damage to our lines and equipment, we’ll provide updates as soon as possible.
Who Gets Power Back First
After a major storm, we tackle outages in order of severity. We assess damage, work to make dangerous areas safe as soon as possible, and we work with local town officials to identify priorities
for service—typically, fire and police stations, hospitals, shelters, and water and sewage treatment plants.
Before we can restore service to individual streets, we must first repair damaged
substations, main electric lines and wires that feed power to streets such as
yours.
If You Lose Power, Don’t Lose Heart
We understand how inconvenient it is to be without power. Many of us and our
families may be without power, too. We’re working hard to restore your power
as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
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