CMP Monitors, Prepares for Gusty Winds Monday-Tuesday

Prepared to respond across service area

AUGUSTA, ME — December 6, 2021 – CMP is monitoring the potential for strong winds across the service territory Monday afternoon into Tuesday. Current forecasts call for wind gusts between 35 and 40 mph with the potential to reach speeds of 45 to 50 mph along the coast.

“We will continue to monitor how this weather system develops today,” said Adam Desrosiers, Vice President Electric Operations for CMP.  “We have been in touch with local Emergency Management Officials about priorities.  We have also reserved 120 contract lineworkers and 95 tree workers in the event they’re needed to assist the 200 CMP lineworkers respond to any outages caused by the weather.”

High wind gusts frequently cause trees from outside CMP’s allowed trimming

area to topple and branches to fall on power lines, causing the vast majority of power outages. 

CMP offers storm preparation tips and a checklist on our website cmpco.com.

Safety tips in a power outage:

• Stay away from downed lines. No line is safe to touch.
• Turn off or unplug major appliance and sensitive electronics.
• Never use range or outdoor stoves to heat your home.
• If you need shelter or food, reach out to 211 for available resources.

Customers may use the CMP Mobile App to report and check the status of power outages. Visit the Apple App store or Google Play store to download for free. Additional online tools to report and monitor outages are accessible https://cmpco.com/outages.

If you lose service:

• To report an outage, visit Outage Central at cmpco.com. Customers may also report an outage using CMP’s 24/7 automated phone system at 800.696.1000.
• Keep sensitive electronic appliances such as computers, TVs and stereos plugged into a surge protector, or unplug them. They could be damaged if a power surge occurs when electricity is restored.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. For information about food safety, visit http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/refridg_food.html.

For customers with generators:

• Hire a licensed electrician to install permanent generators and transfer switches.
• Properly ground all portable generators.
• Carefully read and observe all instructions in your generator’s operating manual.
• Never run a generator indoors, or even in an open garage.
• If your carbon monoxide detector goes off – get out of the building immediately and call 911.
• Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it’s running.
• Refer to CMP’s web page on generator safety.