Rhode Island Energy reported that about 5,300 customers were without power as of 4:30 a.m. Monday as a winter storm pushed across Southern New England. The outages were mostly in Washington County.
Eversource reported that about 5,700 homes and businesses in its Eastern Massachusetts region lost electricity. They were concentrated on Cape Cod.
Leaders of Rhode Island and Massachusetts warned that the storm has the potential to cause power outages that could take days to resolve.
“This is going to be a big one,” said Brian Schuster of Rhode Island Energy. “We’re anticipating 100,000 to 150,000 outages. It’s going to be a multi-day restoration effort.”
Brian Schuster of Rhode Island Energy answers questions about power outages.
Gov. Dan McKee’s administration said Rhode Island Energy had 200 line crews and 80 forestry crews standing by. Staging sites were set up at the Community College of Rhode Island in Warwick, Ninigret Park and Middletown.
Schuster said crews can’t get to work until the storm passes.
McKee’s administration offered the following tips:
- Fully charge cell phones and other electronics before the storm arrives.
- Stay away from downed or low-hanging power lines. Always assume they are energized and dangerous. Never touch anything that may be in contact with a power line.
- If you lose heat, conserve warmth by closing doors to unused rooms and sealing drafts with towels or blankets.
Schuster said new smart meters let Rhode Island Energy know when the power goes out, but he said the technology is still being rolled out and that customers should report when they lose their electricty.
Power outages can be reported to Rhode Island Energy online, by texting OUTAGE to 743674 or by calling 855-743-1101.
Eversource customers can log in to the utility’s website to report outages.
To report a power outage to National Grid, call 1-800-465-1212.
For outages in the Clear River Electric and Water District (formerly Pascoag Utility District), call 401-568-6222.
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