Quantcast

UI Expands Restoration Team to 1,000 Personnel

 Home, Today's Events  Comments Off on UI Expands Restoration Team to 1,000 Personnel
Aug 082020
 

Work continues through the weekend

United Illuminating announced it has restored service to more than 100,000customers impacted by Tropical Storm Isaias, and is on track to substantially complete restoration for its remaining impacted customers by Monday.

As of 3:15 on Saturday, Orange still had 497 customers without power, that’s 7.73%.

As of noon Saturday, the company increased its field presence to 1,000 from approximately 800 personnel who were working on restoration activities on Friday. 

“We are continuing to identify and bring in additional crews and resources in order to safely restore our impacted customers as quickly as possible. We have made good progress to address the destruction left by Tropical Storm Isaias, but we still have some work ahead of us to restore the remaining customers,” said Tony Marone, UI’s President, and CEO. 

UI employees are working with hundreds of contractors and mutual assistance personnel hailing from across the country, including Alabama, Maine, Mississippi, New York,Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. Army and Air Force National Guard crews and equipment were also on the ground Friday and Saturday, helping to clear roads so crews could safely access and repair downed lines and broken poles.

The expanded restoration team is addressing nearly 2,000 separate outage events, including more than 1,000 single-customer outages, which will need to be individually restored. Over the course of the effort, the company anticipates repairing 119 broken or leaning poles and 151 transformers that were damaged or destroyed by Tropical Storm Isaias. UI expects to replace or re-string a total of 35 miles of primary wire.

Customers are reminded to stay far away from downed wires, which can be live and dangerous even if they show no signs of being energized. Customers are advised to keep kids and pets inside, and never drive over a downed wire. Always report any downed wires to UI at 800-722-5584 and call 911 if there is an imminent danger.

Report an Outage:

Customers still without power should report their outage if they have not done so already. Visit uinet.com or call 800.722.5584 (800.7.CALL.UI). Customers can also report outages using the company’s new mobile app, available from the Apple Store and Google Play, or via UI’s mobile alert system: text “OUT” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI). Registration is required.

Outage Alerts:

Sign up for free Outage Alerts at uinet.com to be notified by text, e-mail, or phone when you lose service and for restoration updates. Or, sign up for free text alerts by texting “REG” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI).

Additional Information:

Storm relief resources can be found by calling Connecticut’s InfoLine at 2-1-1, or by visiting www.211ct.org.

Case Memorial Library: Power Is Back On, Open For Pick Up Again

 Around Town, Home, Latest News, Today's Events  Comments Off on Case Memorial Library: Power Is Back On, Open For Pick Up Again
Aug 072020
 

After two days’ closure due to the power outage, the staff is back in the library and ready to help you with curbside pickup and computer use by appointment. The Case Memorial Library is located at 176 Tyler City Road.

Here are some new titles that arrived this month:


New Adult Fiction, August 2020

Each title is linked to its catalog entry, where you can place a request to pick up the item at the Library.

The all-night sun: a novel / Diane Zinna.
The angel of the crows / Katherine Addison.
Archie goes home / Robert Goldsborough.
A beautifully foolish endeavor: a novel / Hank Green.
Big summer: a novel / Jennifer Weiner.
Blacktop wasteland: a novel / S. A. Cosby.
The bones of Wolfe: a border noir / James Carlos Blake.
The Book of Lost Names / Kristin Harmel.
The book of second chances / Katherine Slee.
Brunch and other obligations / Suzanne Nugent.
The butterfly lampshade / by Aimee Bender.
A children’s bible: a novel / Lydia Millet.
Crossings: consisting of three manuscripts: The education of a monster: City of Ghosts : Tales of the albatross / Alex Landragin.
Deadlock / Catherine Coulter.
Destination wedding / Diksha Basu.
The distant dead: a novel / Heather Young.
1st case / James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts.
Florida man: a novel / Tom Cooper.
The German heiress: a novel / Anika Scott.
The German house: a novel / Annette Hess translated from the German by Elisabeth Lauffer.
Grown-ups / Marian Keyes.
The guest list: a novel / Lucy Foley.
Half Moon Bay: a novel / Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman.
Hamnet / Maggie O’Farrell.
Handbook for homicide / Lorna Barrett.
He started it / Samantha Downing.
The heir affair / Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan.
His & hers / Alice Feeney.
How the penguins saved Veronica / Hazel Prior.
In five years: a novel / Rebecca Serle.
The island child: a novel / Molly Aitken.
A journal of the plague year / Daniel Defoe edited by Louis Landa with an introduction by David Roberts.
A lady’s guide to mischief and murder / Dianne Freeman.
The Lost and Found Bookshop / Susan Wiggs.
Love, death & rare books / a novel by Robert Hellenga.
Malorie: a Bird Box novel / Josh Malerman.
Man of my time / Dalia Sofer.
More better deals / Joe R. Lansdale.
Motherland: a novel / Leah Franqui.
Musical chairs: a novel / Amy Poeppel.
Muzzled / David Rosenfelt.
Near dark: a thriller / Brad Thor.
Never ask me / Jeff Abbott.
Not like the movies / Kerry Winfrey.
Of mutts and men / Spencer Quinn.
The order: a novel / Daniel Silva.
Outsider / Linda Castillo.
Paris is always a good idea / Jenn McKinlay.
Pew / Catherine Lacey.
Playing nice: a novel / JP Delaney.
The request / David Bell.
A royal affair / Allison Montclair.
Second sister / Chan Ho-Kei translated from the Chinese by Jeremy Tiang.
The shadow king: a novel / Maaza Mengiste.
The shadows / Alex North.
Simon the fiddler: a novel / Paulette Jiles.
A spell for trouble / Esme Addison.
A star is bored / Byron Lane.
To catch an earl / Kate Bateman.
To kill a mocking girl: a bookbinding mystery / Harper Kincaid.
28 summers : a novel / Elin Hilderbrand.
Utopia Avenue: a novel  / David Mitchell.
What you wish for / Katherine Center.
When she was good: a novel / Michael Robotham.
Witches and wedding cake / Bailey Cates.
You again: a novel / Debra Jo Immergut.

The Library is temporarily closed to the public. We offer curbside pickup and computer use by appointment.
Phone: 203-891-2170
http://www.casememoriallibrary.org
Visit our Facebook page

 UI Expands Restoration Effort, Updates Estimates

 Around Town, Home, Latest News, Today's Events  Comments Off on  UI Expands Restoration Effort, Updates Estimates
Aug 072020
 

With 80K customers restored, National Guard, Central Maine Power, and out-of-state contractors boost field presence to 800+ personnel

 United Illuminating announced Thursday that it has restored a total of 80,000 customers as it continued to expand its restoration effort with the arrival of additional crews and contractors, as well as National Guard assistance. Meanwhile, the company said it has updated its online Outage Map and Outage Alert system with restoration estimates for individual customers.

The restoration estimates reflect the company’s informed assessment of when each customer’s service will be restored, based on the information available, and is subject to change. Customers can find the general location of outages affecting their area by visiting the Outage Map at uinet.com and can find the restoration estimate by clicking on an outage location. For information about specific addresses, they can sign up for Outage Alerts, or download the company’s mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

“We understand customers’ frustration and we thank them for their continued patience as our crews work to safely recover from the destruction caused by this storm,” said UI President and CEO Tony Marone. “Today, we were able to ramp up significantly with the arrival of contractor crews from as far away as Wisconsin and Tennessee, joined by crews from UI’s sister company, Central Maine Power. This expands our ground presence from approximately 600 to 800 field personnel. We are also grateful to Governor Lamont for making National Guard personnel and equipment available to assist us. Together, we will continue to aggressively work our restoration plan until every customer has power.”

The 24 members of the Army and Air Force National Guard arrived Thursday with three heavy trucks to help clear roads of debris so UI crews can access and repair damaged power equipment.

UI reported significant progress in getting customers’ power back on. As of 4 p.m. Thursday, three days after the region’s biggest storm since Hurricane Sandy, the company had restored approximately 80,000 customers. With approximately 43,000 customers remaining without service, the company is on track to meet its stated goal of restoring service by the end of Saturday to a majority of those customers who were without service as of Wednesday morning.

The company, however, said some customers will remain without service, and restoration efforts will continue until the end of Monday as the company addresses smaller and more complex outage events.

The company reminded customers to stay far away from downed wires, which can be live and dangerous even if they show no signs of being energized. Customers are advised to keep kids and pets inside, and never drive over a downed wire. Always report any downed wires to UI at 800-722-5584 (800.CALLUI).

Report an Outage:

To report an outage, visit uinet.com or call 800.722.5584 (800.7.CALL.UI). Customers can also report outages using the company’s new mobile app, available from the Apple Store and Google Play. Or, they can report outages via UI’s mobile alert system: text “OUT” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI). Registration is required.

Outage Alerts:

Sign up for free Outage Alerts at uinet.com to be notified by text, e-mail, or phone when you lose service and for restoration updates. Or, sign up for free text alerts by texting “REG” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI).

Additional Information:

Storm relief resources can be found by calling Connecticut’s InfoLine at 2-1-1, or by visiting www.211ct.org.

Maroney To UI: My Constituents Deserve Answers

 Around Town, Home, Latest News, Today's Events  Comments Off on Maroney To UI: My Constituents Deserve Answers
Aug 062020
 

Today, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) submitted a letter to The United Illuminating Company questioning their response efforts following Tropical Storm Isaias. The storm left thousands of people without power throughout the towns Orange, West Haven, Milford, and Woodbridge, which United Illuminating services. Senator Maroney is looking for answers after concerns have been raised following a lack of response effort made by the electric company.

Following Tuesday’s storm, almost 60% of Orange, 55% of Woodbridge, 36% of Milford, and 8% of West Haven are still without power.

The letter was sent to the President and CEO of The United Illuminating Company from Senator Maroney.

See below for the full text of the letter:

Dear Mr. Marone,

I write to you today regarding the current response by The United Illuminating Company to repair the damage done during Tropical Storm Isaias. The lack of a quick and effective response is concerning to me and my constituents who have been expressing their concerns to my office.

As the Senator for the 14th state Senate District, all my cities and towns are serviced by The United Illuminating Company (Orange, West Haven, Milford, and Woodbridge), my constituents and I would like to understand why there has been such a lack of communication prior to the event and afterward on restoration efforts. One of the primary concerns I have, and my constituents have, is the impact this is having on our seniors and most vulnerable populations during the heat of the summer and a pandemic. Many of these customers use medical devices that require electricity, need access to elevators, use well water, or need a reprieve from the heat.

As I write this, almost 60% of Orange, 55% of Woodbridge, 36% of Milford, and 8% of West Haven are without power.

How can the United Illuminating Company have such a poor response to a well forecasted tropical storm? What has the company done over the past decade to harden critical infrastructure and increase restoration times and why did those efforts fail during this storm?

My constituents deserve answers.

Respectfully,

James Maroney

State Senator, 14th Senatorial District.

A Statement From Tony Marone, UI President, And CEO

 Around Town, Home, Latest News, Today's Events  Comments Off on A Statement From Tony Marone, UI President, And CEO
Aug 052020
 

“Be assured that UI crews, contractors, and partners are working diligently day and night to restore service as safely and quickly as possible. This work will take time and continue until every customer is restored.  We ask for your patience during this process.”

Tony Marone, President, and CEO of United Illuminating issued the following statement on Wednesday evening:

Tropical Storm Isaias caused significant damage across our electric system and impacted all 17 towns and cities we serve, with more than 1,700 outage-causing events and more than 1,000 downed wires.

At its peak, we had 123,000 customers without power. We currently have fewer than 90,000 customers without power, so progress is being made.  Be assured that UI crews, contractors, and partners are working diligently day and night to restore service as safely and quickly as possible. This work will take time and continue until every customer is restored.  We ask for your patience during this process.

The company’s initial focus today was on clearing blocked roads, assessing damage, and working with local municipalities to make roads safe and restore service to identified critical facilities. Under a well-communicated process, the company provides each municipality with a liaison to ensure a direct channel for communications, so all critical needs are met.

As this phase of work begins to wrap up, crews are now turning their attention to addressing outages affecting large numbers of customers. All of our teams are working under special precautions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. These include a one-employee-per-vehicle policy, use of personal protective equipment, and enhanced hygiene measures.

Finally, UI’s planning and preparation for Tropical Storm Isaias began last week, long before it posed a clear threat to our area.  At that time, the company reached out to its mutual assistance group (NAMAG) to request additional restoration resources, worked to secure additional contractors, and began outreach to municipal partners. All this planning is consistent with the Emergency Response Plan, on file with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, for a storm of this magnitude.

The storm we prepared for is the storm we got.

Why Don’t I Have Power Yet?

 Around Town, Home, Latest News, Today's Events  Comments Off on Why Don’t I Have Power Yet?
Aug 052020
 

United Illuminating is responding to outages across its service territory in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaias.

As of 8 p.m. last evening, about 116,000 customers were without service, as a result of more than 1,000 outage-causing events across all of the 17 towns and cities served by UI.

The company is advising customers that the restoration efforts were already underway are likely to take several days, and customers who are currently without service should factor that into their planning.

The company reiterated that customers should stay far away from downed wires, which can be live and dangerous even if they show no signs of being energized. Customers are advised to keep kids and pets inside, and never drive over a downed wire. Always report any downed wires to UI at 800.722.5584 (800.CALLUI).

“We appreciate your patience as we follow our process to keep our crews, customers, and communities safe. In anticipation of this weather event we brought in significant internal and contract resources, many who are already working to clear roads and restore power,” said Tony Marone, UI’s president, and CEO. “We are aware that this event is particularly challenging for our customers who are working from home, or caring for children or the elderly.”

Why isn’t my power back on yet?

UI’s immediate concern in the aftermath of a storm is safety. UI and contractor crews are partnering with local authorities to clear hazards from roads and restore critical facilities such as hospitals and evacuation centers.

The next priority is fixing the backbone of the electrical system — transmission lines, substations, circuits, primary lines, and issues affecting large groups of customers.

Crews then turn their attention to smaller groups of customers and finally shift their focus to restoring individual homes and businesses (this may begin while higher-priority work is underway).

Report an Outage:

To report an outage, visit uinet.com or call 800.722.5584 (800.7.CALL.UI). Customers can also report outages using the company’s new mobile app, available from the Apple Store and Google Play. Or, they can report outages via UI’s mobile alert system: text “OUT” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI). Registration is required.

Outage Alerts:

Sign up for free Outage Alerts at uinet.com to be notified by text, e-mail, or phone when you lose service and for restoration updates. Or, sign up for free text alerts by texting “REG” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI).

Additional Information:

Storm relief resources can be found by calling Connecticut’s InfoLine at 2-1-1, or by visiting www.211ct.org.

UI Urges Customers To Stay Away From Downed Wires

 Around Town, Home, Latest News, Today's Events  Comments Off on UI Urges Customers To Stay Away From Downed Wires
Aug 042020
 

Downed wires can be live and dangerous even if there’s no sign they’re energized

United Illuminating, subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc., today urgently reminded customers to stay far away from downed wires and other hazards caused by Tropical Storm Isaias.

The storm is projected to bring powerful gusts capable of toppling trees and limbs and causing damage to utility poles and wires. UI officials urged customers to remain safely indoors if possible and to stay far away from downed wires and anything that might be in contact with them.

Downed wires and damaged electrical equipment can be dangerous even at a distance, and they can be live even if they don’t appear to be energized. Stay at least 35 feet away and never drive over a downed wire. Report downed wires and other dangerous conditions to UI by calling 800-722-5584.

UI’s immediate concern in the aftermath of a storm is public safety. UI and contractor crews work with first-responders to address downed wires and make sure streets are safe and clear so that emergency vehicles can get through. Crews also work to restore service to critical facilities such as hospitals and evacuation centers that have been previously prioritized by local officials.

Next, UI focuses on assessing damage and restoring the backbone of its electrical system, including transmission lines, substations, circuits, and primary lines. Crews focus on locations where they can restore large numbers of customers at once.

Then, crews restore equipment and lines serving smaller groups of customers.

Finally, crews focus on restoring remaining service lines to individual homes and businesses. This phase may begin while higher-priority work is underway.

Report an Outage:

To report an outage, visit uinet.com or call 800-722-5584 (800.7.CALL.UI). Customers may also report outages using the company’s new mobile app, available from the Apple Store and Google Play. Or, they can report outages via UI’s mobile alert system: text “OUT” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI). Registration is required.

Outage Alerts:

Sign up for free Outage Alerts at uinet.com to be notified by text, e-mail or phone when you lose service and for restoration updates. Or, sign up for free text alerts by texting “REG” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI).

Additional Information:

Storm relief resources can be found by calling Connecticut’s InfoLine at 2-1-1, or by visiting www.211ct.org.

• As of 2:52 p.m. 2,138 Orange UI customers were without power.

• Three minutes later that number jumped up to 3,833 as the winds grew stronger.

• At 3:58 p.m. 4,915 were powerless in Orange.

• By 4:20 p.m. 5,849 customers were in the dark.

Obituary: Carla Appel, 59, Beloved Wife, Mother, Friend, Dog Lover

 Amity High School, Around Town, Home, Latest News, Sports, Today's Events  Comments Off on Obituary: Carla Appel, 59, Beloved Wife, Mother, Friend, Dog Lover
Aug 032020
 

Carla Nastri Appel, 59, of Orange, CT passed away on August 2, 2020, after a short illness. She is survived by her husband Ken, and her four sons Ken Jr., David, Michael, and Tyler.

She was the daughter of Dolores Nastri and the late Anthony Nastri. She also leaves behind brothers James Nastri (Nancy) and Mark Nastri (Violet) as well as her cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Carla was a graduate of Gateway Community College where she earned a degree in Dietetic Science. She worked as a dietician and personal trainer and was passionate about her work. Her optimism and energy were contagious.

In her youth, Carla was an outstanding athlete competing in gymnastics, track and field, and bodybuilding, winning numerous contests throughout New England.  The joy of her life, however, was her family. She took such great pride in all of her son’s athletic activities especially, baseball.  She was always their biggest fan and along with her husband, seldom missed a game. She loved bringing her dog Brinley to her son’s games.

Carla was a compassionate and positive woman, a dedicated mother and wife, and a devoted friend. We will forever remember her big heart and beautiful smile. She will be dearly missed.

Services will be private at the West Haven Funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Martin DePorres Academy, 208 Columbus Ave., New Haven, CT 06519.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carla (Nastri) Appel, please visit the floral store.

Hurricane Hazards From The National Hurricane Center

 Around Town, Home, Latest News, Today's Events  Comments Off on Hurricane Hazards From The National Hurricane Center
Aug 032020
 

The National Hurricane Center Website tells us what we may expect from any hurricane as Isaias makes its way up the coast.

While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depression also can be devastating. The primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents.

  • Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in a large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast.
  • Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.
  • Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.
  • Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.
  • Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.
  • Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone’s strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore.

Here’s The Latest on Isaias

Tropical Storm Warning
Southern New Haven County, CT
Dangerous winds (55 mph+) may arrive near Milford around Tuesday afternoon.
Ways to prepare, and stay safe now
Bring in outdoor furniture and other items that could blow away (potted plants, birdbaths, bird feeders, etc). These may become a safety hazard.

Are You A Raffle Prize Winner? Find Out Now!

 Around Town, Home, Latest News, Police & Fire, Today's Events  Comments Off on Are You A Raffle Prize Winner? Find Out Now!
Aug 022020
 

Carnival Chairman Donny Foyer welcomes everyone to the shortest carnival ever.

The Orange Volunteer Fire Department did not have it’s 95th Annual Carnival this year due to the Coronavirus, but the Raffle did go on as planned.

Carnival Chairman Donny Foyer said that this year people were very generous and the raffle tickets sold very well, which will help make up for some of the $120,000 that an actual carnival can bring in to the department for its needs.

Along with the raffle ticket sales, the Orange Finance Department also arranged for two additional fundraising events that would bring in money to its $50,000 Fire Truck Challenge that would assist in the purchase of a new fire truck.

Jim Hassenmayer, the owner of the Orange Ale House, 517 Boston Post Road, donated 200 $30 gift certificates to his establishment that the firefighters sold for $25 each at the restaurant on Friday, July 24th. The fire department kept the entire$25 for each one sold. Even though the restaurant has suffered since March with all of the restrictions from the COVID-19 crisis, Hassenmayer did not hesitate to give this gift to the OVFD, valued at $6,000.

A second $50K Challenge Fundraiser took place at Golf Lounge 18 with a closest to the pin contest the following Sunday.

2020 RAFFLE WINNERS

The Raffle Ticket drawing took place at the Orange Fairgrounds on Sunday, Aug. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

Selectman Mitch Goldblatt, once again read off the winning numbers and recipients’ names.

#1 –  $10,000 Visa Gift Card                     075872. Duran Villaverde, West Haven

#2 –  $5,000  Visa Gift Card                     085833. Laura Tafuto, Hamden

#3 –  $3,000  Visa Gift Card.                    024682. Ann Friend, Orange

#4 –  $2,500 Gift Cert Anytime Fitness   026117   Linda Geane, Orange

#5 –  $1,200 Gift Cert Diamond Designs 036566 John Coppola, Orange

#6.-  Apple I-Pad from Best Buy.              045461  Dan May, Orange

#7. –  $400 Gift Card Shop Rite.               087455. Victoria Wilde, Orange

#8 –   $300 Gift Card Trader Joes.           030566 Kathleen Chapman, Orange

#9.-   $250 Gift Certificate Knight’s Inc.  043391 Kathleen Taylor, Orange

#10 – $200 Gift Card Kohl’s                       101814. James Kohl, Orange

#11 – $200 Gift Card to Outback               102770. John Kuchar, Orange

 

Congratulations to all of the winners! And We Hope to see everyone at the Carnival in 2021.

NOTE: The Finance Department has decided to continue the $50,000 Challenge until the end of September so there’s still time to contribute AND you still have an opportunity to purchase any of the remaining $30 Ale House Gift Certificates for a $25 donation to the OVFD. 

 Older Entries