CL&P ISSUES STORM BRIEFING

CL&P Is Prepared for Today’s Snowstorm and Wind

OVERVIEW AND SYSTEM STATUS
·        CL&P continues to monitor a winter snowstorm that began this morning, Thursday, February 13.  It is expected to taper off by Friday morning, February 14.  We are preparing for 3-6 inches between now and 7 p.m. tonight, with rain changing to mixed precipitation by 2 p.m.  Precipitation will change back to snow by 2 a.m. Friday.  Winds of 12 – 22 mph are expected, with gusts of 35 – 45 mph.   Only trace ice accretion is anticipated.
·        CL&P prepares for severe weather every day.  The company is poised to respond to any potential impacts from this storm with a safe and timely power restoration effort. We are currently experiencing minimal outages.

OPERATIONAL STATUS – Monitor (Conditions exists that present a potential risk, but pose no immediate threat, to CL&P operations or service to customers).
·        At this time, CL&P is carefully monitoring the weather for potential customer impacts.  This storm is predicted to be a Level I Event, with an expectation of fewer than 150 – 200 “trouble spots” – areas that need to be repaired – primarily in the coastal and northeast portions of the state.
·         The CL&P transmission and distribution system is in good configuration for reliable operation.
·        The next Emergency Preparedness call is scheduled for Thursday, February 13, at 2 p.m.
·        CL&P’s Emergency Operation Center was activated at 6 a.m. Thursday morning.

PLANNING/LOGISTICS

·        Work centers across CL&P’s service territory are preparing for activation, as required.
·        Equipment inventories and vehicle fueling took place in preparation for the storm. Line vehicles were pre-staged in certain areas for fast response to potential power outages.
·        Snow removal is underway at CL&P work centers and substations.

PUBLIC INFORMATION
·        CL&P’s staff will provide this Storm Briefing to communities today, including the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, legislators, and regulators.
·        Media Relations issued a press release about storm preparedness yesterday, and social media outreach continues today.
·        CL&P Customer Care team conducted an outbound calling campaign to approximately 18,500 medical customers yesterday.
·        Yankee Gas reminds customers to keep natural gas meters and all gas appliance outdoor vents clear of snow and ice buildup.
Natural Gas Meters:
o        Gently brush away any snow or ice that has accumulated around the meter, regulator vent and any other outdoor piping
o        Clear the snow or ice using a broom or by hand – not with a shovel
o        When plowing, snow blowing or shoveling, do not push or pile snow around your meter
o        Clear a path to your meter so Yankee Gas employees and emergency responders can access it in an emergency
      Gas Appliance Outdoor Vents:
o        A clogged vent may cause your appliance to shut down or malfunction and create a hazardous situation, such as a build-up of carbon monoxide
·        For the most up-to-date information, follow us on Twitter @CTLightandPower or visit facebook.com/ctlightandpower and www.cl-p.com.