Co Edison: 55K Restored in Westchester

The following is a statement from Con Edison:

NEW YORK -  Con Edison has restored more than 55,000 customers in Westchester by late Thursday evening. Almost 201,000 customers were affected by Hurricane Sandy in the county alone. Con Edison will continue to work around the clock to restore the remaining customers. 

Con Edison expects to restore the vast majority of customers by next weekend.

Con Edison faces several challenges in its Westchester restoration efforts, including the extensive damage in the area. This includes more than 3000 primary wires that are down and 500 roads that are currently blocked by fallen trees or other debris.

Con Edison is marshalling resources from near and far to conduct the largest customer restoration in its history. Contractors and mutual aid crews have been arriving or are en route from across the country. Crews specializing in tree cutting, repairing overhead lines and underground equipment, as well as damage assessment, are being assigned.

Con Edison continues system-wide restoration efforts for approximately 930,000 customers affected since the inception of the storm in both New York City and Westchester County.   

Customers can report downed power lines, outages, and check service restoration status by computer or mobile device at www.conEd.com. They also can call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). When reporting an outage, it is helpful if customers have their Con Edison account number available, if possible, and report whether their neighbors also have lost power. Customers who report outages will be called by Con Edison with their estimated restoration times as they become available.

The company is advising its customers to pay close attention to reports from city and municipal officials. Con Edison is providing updates through the media as the storm restoration continues. Important information will be posted on the company’s website,www.conEd.com.

For instructions on how to report an outage, click here: http://bcove.me/6sx1yox5

 Con Edison offers the following safety tips:

• Use extreme caution before going into a flooded basement. Know whether there are electrified services or unsanitary conditions and wear high rubber boots. Also, know how deep the water is and probe it with a wooden stick, if necessary, to gauge the depth. Keep children out of basements where there is water.
• Do not go near downed wires. Treat all downed wires as if they are live. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by tree limbs, leaves or water. Report downed wires to Con Edison and your local police department immediately.
• If a power line falls on your car while you’re in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.
• Weather updates and news on power outages can be heard on most local radio and television stations.

The company is in constant communication with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services and company personnel are working closely with city and municipal emergency officials.