Electric Power Restored to 60% of Central Hudson Customers

Power restoration continued overnight Tuesday, and by Wednesday morning electric service was restored to more than 60,000 Central Hudson customers impacted by Tropical Storm Sandy. “Our crews are working steadily, and we appreciate our customers’ patience as we work to bring power back to everyone,” said James P. Laurito, President of Central Hudson.

Laurito said the utility estimates that by 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, electric service will be restored to 90 percent of the more than 103,000 customers who were affected in total, and expects that restoration activities will continue to take place over the weekend. “As of this morning, approximately 39,000 customers remain without power, and we estimate that more than 1,100 individual damage locations must be addressed to restore electric service.”

With more than 1,000 reported locations of downed power lines in the region, Laurito urged customers to exercise extreme caution tonight during Halloween activities. “Lines can be hidden under piles of leaves or entangled in fallen trees, making them difficult to spot. Parents and children should avoid going outdoors tonight altogether, and should consider holding Halloween activities indoors or in safe areas free of storm damage,” he said.

Other safety tips include:

• Staying at least 30 feet away from downed power lines, and lines which may be entangled and hidden in fallen trees. Assume all downed lines are live;
• Avoiding the use of candles for illumination;
• Following the manufacturer’s safety instructions on the use of emergency generators, and be sure to shut off the main breaker when in use and to only operate the units outdoors; and
• Never using outdoor gas or charcoal grills indoors, as they pose a fire hazard and over time can give off deadly carbon monoxide gas. Use these appliances only outdoors with proper ventilation. Similarly, operate cars and motor vehicles outdoors only, and never in the garage.