NStar: Blizzard Causes 'Devastating Damage to Electric System'

Though hazardous weather and driving conditions have continued to hamper power restoration efforts, NSTAR is working to assess damage to its electric system as it prepares to dispatch repair crews as soon as it is safe to do so. Due to the significant amount of work ahead, the company is warning customers of a multi-day restoration effort with lengthy power outages.

“This blizzard has caused devastating damage to our electric system in the southern part of our service area and we are working to push forward with our restoration effort as soon as it’s possible to do so,” said Craig Hallstrom, President of NSTAR Electric. “Before the storm hit we enlisted the aid of hundreds of outside resources and hundreds more are joining us from areas spared by this intense storm.”

NSTAR is committed to restoring power as quickly as possible, although customer and crew safety remains the top priority. The company is working to address emergency situations as they arise and has reached out to affected communities to coordinate power restoration work with road clearing efforts. NSTAR has also brought in additional heavy equipment, such as backhoes and track vehicles, to assist with access. Helicopters are on stand-by to patrol transmission line rights-of-way if necessary.

NSTAR advises customers to consider any steps necessary to protect themselves and their families as the company works day and night to restore power. Customers can get report power outages by visiting NSTAR’s storm center at www.nstar.com or by calling 1-800-592-2000.

Release from NStar