03/22/10 Town Administrator John Crary Adds Greenwich Roundup To His Press Release And Update Email List

News Bulletins #8 & 9 were sent to you but they bounced back. Obviously
something was wrong in the address. See attached.

John N. Crary
Town Administrator

COMMENT:

Mr. Crary Greenwich Roundup Is Glad That You And Your Staff Got The Email Address Right.

It Looks Like The Town of Greenwich Emergency Conditions Documents Were Sent To greenwichroundup@smail.com

However, Only Bulletin #9 Was Not Attached.

Please Forward Bulletin #9

And We Thank You For Adding Us To Your Press Realese And Update List.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, March 19, 2010, as of 11:00 AM

#8 - Bulletin on Status of Emergency Conditions

As of 11:00 am today, CL&P reports that slightly less than 1,500 of the Town’s homes and businesses remain without power. CL&P now has 197 electrical line crews working throughout the Town to return service. An additional 50 crews are expected to arrive today. Since the storm began on Saturday night the number of crews that have been working to restore electrical service to our community has grown steadily. The number of crews (2 workers and a bucket truck) grew from Sunday (3/14) at 25 crews, to Monday (3/15) at 49 crews, to Tuesday (3/16) at 70 crews, to Wednesday (3/17) at 111 crews, and yesterday (3/18) at 125 crews. Each crew has been on a schedule of 16 hours on, 8 hours off to assure that the personnel are fresh and safe to continue the pace of repairs. Town crews have also been on a variety work and overtime schedules based upon their individual assignments. The prime goal has been to resolve as many problems as possible while at the same time assuring safe conditions for the public and our workers.

Due to the severity of the storm and the widespread devastation that occurred, CL&P has had to essentially rebuild the electrical system that supplies Greenwich. All large electrical outages have been resolved and now CL&P is focusing on returning individual properties to the grid. CL&P is addressing these properties on a case by case basis. Since some of these situations are almost as complicated as the larger outages this can be a lengthy process. However, CL&P now has the resources to have the Greenwich version of a “surge” to work on our issues. The latest CL&P estimate is that all homes will be returned to service no later than Sunday, although most homes should see some relief in the next two days.

The Town is working with CL&P to assure that all affected homes have been identified and on the list for repairs. We realize that some homeowners have been away during this period and may have an electrical outage that has not been reported. Secondly, some homes have electrical issues that their personal electrician will have to correct before CL& P will be able to energize their home. If you have not called in to report an outage at your home please call CL&P’s Call Center at 800-286-5000 or 800-286-2000. To speak with a live operator say OPERATOR or hit the 0 (zero) button. Only call in if you have not done so in the past and only to assure that your property is on the list for restoration of electrical service.

Property owners are asked to remove all debris from sidewalks and their grounds around their property as expeditiously as possible. School is expected to resume on Monday and one of the major areas of concern is children walking in the street to avoid piles of debris. To assist with this effort the Town has extended the hours at the Town Transfer Station to 6:00 pm for today and will be open on Saturday until 4:00 pm and on Sunday from 9:00 to 3:00 pm.

The Warming Center\Emergency Shelter at the Western Greenwich Civic Center on Glennville Road remains open but will likely close today. A decision will be made later today on whether there is a need to remain open past this afternoon.

The Town continues to appreciate the significant inconveniences and difficulty this extraordinary storm has created for so many of our residents and values your patience as we continue to work through these problems. The Town also appreciates all of the electrical and tree crews from around the country that have come to our aid and we extend to them our thanks and best wishes.

Further bulletins will be released as new information becomes available. Please check the Town website and the local press for the latest information.

For More Information Contact:
Peter J. Tesei First Selectman

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