PSNH – ‘Snowtober’ recalled – 1 year later
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Ready for Winter Storm Season
‘Snowtober’ recalled – 1 year later
MANCHESTER, N.H. (October 24, 2012) — The start of fall is a season of heightened awareness for Public Service of New Hampshire employees, as we enter the storm season. When the company is involved in a major power restoration effort, employees take on their individual storm assignment, as restoring power becomes the number one company priority.
One year ago, a bizarre snowstorm, dubbed “Snowtober,” dropped more than two feet of heavy wet snow on portions of the Granite State, knocking out power to about 237,000 PSNH customers. Using experience learned from successful restoration efforts, PSNH employees today are more prepared than ever for whatever the elements throw at New Hampshire in the coming months.
“During a significant restoration effort, like we experienced last year, all of our employees are focused on ensuring public safety and restoring power to customers as quickly as possible,” noted Gary Long, PSNH President and Chief Operating Officer. “We draw from our experiences, and we continue to take steps to improve our preparedness and performance wherever possible.”
Trees – New Hampshire is the most heavily forested state in the nation and, not surprisingly, most storm-related power outages are associated with trees or branches being brought down on lines and equipment by snow, wind or rain. When severe weather is called for, PSNH often pre-stages tree crews in areas where damage is anticipated, to more quickly respond once the storm passes. The company has also worked with the Legislature and with regulators to streamline the process of routine tree trimming in advance of storms, and has implemented an enhanced tree trimming program, targeting areas that have been susceptible to tree-related outages.
Communication – PSNH uses a variety of communication tools to ensure customers, government officials and the media are kept informed about power restoration progress, helping to improve the information-sharing process. Social media tools like Twitter and Facebook are monitored 24/7, helping to share information in real time, and a mobile version of the company’s website provides an effective method to report outages.
Crews – A recent merger with Boston-based NSTAR now provides PSNH and other Northeast Utilities electric utility subsidiaries with direct access to additional line workers who, when available, can assist in the restoration effort here. The company has also placed into service two Emergency Operations Satellite trailers, to make the opening of remote area work centers more efficient.
Customer Preparation – As always, PSNH urges customers to be prepared for the possibility of a power outage, especially during the coming winter storm season. A list of preparedness tips and reminders is posted at psnh.com and at nh.gov/readynh/.
PSNH is New Hampshire’s largest electric utility, serving more than 500,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns. PSNH is a Northeast Utilities company (NYSE:NU). For more information, please visit psnh.com and follow us on Twitter @psnh
# # #
