Hurricane Irene Leaves Half of East Haven in Darkness

Power remains out for 48 percent of East Haven the day after Hurricane Irene demolished upwards of 20 coastal homes, flooded roadways and knocked down trees.

The latest figures provided by United Illuminating were released at 11 a.m.

At Hurriance Irene's peak, power was knocked for half of United Illimunating's 300,000 customers in the New Haven and Bridgeport area. East Haven remains in the dark with 48 percent of homes and businesses without electricity.

“Conditions are constantly changing and our restoration crews and support staffs are working with the state and municipal officials to evaluate the damage and coordinate restoration activities,” said Anthony J. Vallillo, executive vice president and chief operating officer of UIL Holdings Corporation, in a statement. “We appreciate our customers’ patience as we begin this massive restoration effort.”

At the peak of the hurricane, 6,990 outages were reported East Haven. In Easton, North Branford and Orange, United Illuminated reports that power is out for more than 75 percent of residents.

“Our focus is always on the safety of our customers and employees,” said James P. Torgerson, UI's chief executive officer, in a statement. “Our crews have been instructed to give priority to areas where public safety is a concern. Once those have been addressed, we will focus on full restoration of power to all our customers.”

Downed wires can be reported by calling 1-800-7-CALL-UI (1-800-722-5584).