CL&P Receives National Honors for Superstorm Sandy Performance

The following information was provided by Connecticut Light & Power:

Following the widespread devastation of Superstorm Sandy, Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) is receiving national honors for its successful power restoration.  Today, the company was presented with the Edison Electric Institute’s (EEI) Emergency Recovery Award in recognition of extraordinary efforts undertaken to restore electrical service following severe weather conditions or natural events. 

“CL&P was faced with a major restoration effort following Sandy,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “Getting the lights back on quickly and safely is never easy following these natural disasters.  It takes strong commitment, advanced planning, and great execution.  CL&P responded with all three.  They’re a great example for the nation’s electric power industry.  I congratulate them.” 

Additionally, Northeast Utilities, parent company of CL&P, was selected as a winner of the EEI 2012 Emergency Assistance Award, which recognizes extraordinary efforts undertaken in restoring electric service to another utility company that has been disrupted by severe weather conditions or other natural events.   

“These national honors truly belong to our employees, who were the driving force behind our successful restoration in hard-hit Connecticut, and our extensive mutual aid support,” said Bill Quinlan, CL&P’s Senior Vice President for Emergency Preparedness. “Superstorm Sandy caused epic devastation up and down the eastern seaboard, and through tremendous hard work, our employees demonstrated their commitment to serving our customers and communities, as well as others in need.” 

Superstorm Sandy impacted all 149 cities and towns served by CL&P and in the days that followed, crews worked to restore power to more than 850,000 customers.  In some areas, entire portions of the electric system were rebuilt, with over 1,700 new poles set and more than 100 miles of wire restrung.  Once restoration was complete in Connecticut, crews from CL&P, and other NU companies, supported the ongoing efforts in neighboring New York and New Jersey by sending line crews and field personal to restore power in those areas.