UI: Power Restoration Goal of 95% Accomplished 'One Day Early'

The United Illuminating Company announced Monday morning that it successfully beat its goal of 95 percent of customers with electric service by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5.

The utility company reports it actually met the 95 percent goal Sunday and that it continues to make progress on getting electrical service restored to the remaining customers.

UI announced its goal on Thursday, November 1st once it had an opportunity to get detailed damage assessment reports from its workers in the field.

“Damage assessment is a key component of every restoration process,” said Anthony J. Vallillo, UI’s president and chief operating officer.  “Without this necessary step, we wouldn’t have the data necessary to provide credible projections on restoration.”

As of 6am today, the company had restored more than 239,000 customers. While it has reached the initial goal of 95%, the Company reaffirmed today that it will not rest until all customers are restored.  Company officials also have begun discussing its plans for the possible Nor’easter that is forecasted to impact Connecticut on Wednesday of this week.

“We want our customers to know that we are carefully watching this new storm and planning accordingly,” said James P. Torgerson, UIL’s president and chief executive officer.  “We are also mindful that Tuesday is Election Day and we will be providing all employees and contractors the opportunity to vote.”

Hurricane Sandy’s destruction in Connecticut was evident by the trees, debris and flood waters that impacted the shoreline and many communities throughout the state.  Utility crews had a difficult challenge ahead but persevered through a number of issues.

“As a whole, the community has been very supportive of our line workers and the hard work they have shown during this regional crisis,” added Torgerson.  Customers have repeatedly offered their thanks, even provided baked goods and beverages to our employees who have worked tirelessly to restore power to everyone.  We are very grateful for their support.”

As the day continues, more progress is expected with the remaining outages, as they gradually take more time to restore based on the type of work.  Many are single services that require just as much work as larger group outages but fewer customers are energized as a result.

The company plans to discuss more details at a press briefing in Orange today.

More Information is available at UI’s website, www.uinet.com, or by visiting our social media sites:

• Twitter: @UnitedIllum, @UILHoldings
• Facebook: facebook.com/UILHoldings
• YouTube: youtube.com/UILHoldings