Central Maine Power Co. reports that an estimated 100,000 customer accounts are without power this morning and that number is expected to increase.
“Public safety will be our priority today,” said CMP spokesman John Carroll. “Crews will be working to make sure that downed lines and broken poles are de-energized to keep the public safe. The restoration work may not start in earnest until late in the day in many areas.”
CMP has contacted utilities in neighboring states and the Canadian Maritimes for assistance, but the damage from this storm has affected many areas in the northeast. The company cannot predict when out-of-state assistance may be available.
The damage is most severe in southern and coastal areas from York County to the Penobscot Bay region. It is too early to predict when the damage from heavy ice and fallen trees will be repaired, but the company is warning customers that it will be several days before it can restore service in all areas.