Emails and calls are some of the ways Connecticut Light and Power has begun reaching out to its customers ahead of the expected massive snowstorm, mindful of criticism over lengthy outages during past storms.
In the pre-recorded call, the utility warned that households could lose power during what’s forecast to be a severe storm, and gives advice on how to prepare. "CL&P is prepared to respond quickly," the email said, "and we want to make sure you have the information you need to be prepared." It referred people to the utility's own emergency preparedness page, and also to the Red Cross, which provides a Family Disaster Supplies Kit list on its website.
CL&P has been in the spotlight during weather emergencies since the disastrous storms of 2011. After the freak October snowstorm of that year, which brought trees down on power lines all over the state, some households remained without power up to eleven days.
"Please know that CL&P is ready for the storm and we are working around the clock for you and all of our customers," said the utility in Sunday's email blast. The utility has been implementing an aggressive tree-trimming policy in recent months, in an attempt to minimize damage to poles and lines during severe weather.
