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Con Edison Media Relations
For Immediate Release: March 5, 2008
12:00 p.m.

CON EDISON RESPONDING TO POWER OUTAGES IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY

NEW YORK – More than 150 Con Edison crew members are responding to power outages caused by tree damage to power lines as severe weather moved across Westchester County early this morning.

The utility is assessing damage and estimates that approximately 2,000 customers are without power. Yonkers, Bronxville, Mamaroneck, Rye, New Rochelle and Larchmont are among the communities most affected.

Company crews have restored more than 7,500 customers in Westchester County.

The company urges customers to report power interruptions or service problems online at www.conEd.com, or by calling Con Edison’s toll-free customer service number 1-800-75-CON ED (1-800-752-6633). When reporting an outage, customers should have their Con Edison account number available, if possible, and report whether their neighbors also have lost power.

When severe outages occur, primary distribution feeders will be restored first, with the highest priority given to lines that supply the most customers out of service. Next, the crews will restore secondary facilities, such as transformers and secondary cables, again with highest priority given to lines supplying the most customers out of service. Individual services and lines serving single homes will be restored as crews become available.

The company offers the following safety tips for its customers:

If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. 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 all 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.
If your power goes out, turn off all lights and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored. Leave at least one light switch in the on position to alert you when power has been restored.

The company will maintain close contact with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services to coordinate storm response as necessary.

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