Courtney to CL&P: "Just get the job done"
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today released the following statement as work to restore power across eastern Connecticut dragged into a fifth day:
"Last night, I hosted a conference call with leaders from 57 Towns across eastern Connecticut and Connecticut Light & Power. First Selectmen and Town Managers laid out specifically and clearly what CL&P needs to do to both ensure safety in their towns, and restore power quickly. On the call, CL&P committed to concrete steps to achieve those goals. In the coming hours and days, I will be watching closely to ensure that they live up to those commitments, improve communication with Towns and customers, and make substantial progress on restoring power in eastern Connecticut. It is time for CL&P to just get the job done."
Since last night's call, at least one problem that was raised has been addressed. New London City Manager Denise Rose told CL&P that the situation at the Thames River Apartments was nearing a tipping point, and that seniors and persons with disabilities who live there might need to be evacuated. During the call, CL&P committed to addressing the situation, and late last night, power was restored.
As it became clear that CL&P lacked the basic resources necessary to restore quickly power across eastern Connecticut, Congressman Courtney wrote to the Secretaries of Energy and Homeland Security to secure out-of-state utility crews to repair lines. Progress has been made and crews have arrived, but as of yesterday, 10,000 trouble spots still existed across the state, according to CL&P.
Since Hurricane Irene made landfall on Sunday, Congressman Courtney has crisscrossed eastern Connecticut, assessing damage with Gov. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Wyman. He has met with Town leaders, first responders and residents in Vernon, Putnam, Pomfret, Norwich, Sprague, Ledyard, Griswold, Madison, Clinton and Old Saybrook. He has also been in constant communication with dozens of Town leaders across the district.
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