From Empirerelations.com

Utilities

Con Edison Responding to Rain & Wind Outages
By MARKET WIRE
Mar 9, 2008 - 8:36:01 AM

NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/09/08 -- Con Edison crews are responding to scatteredoutages caused by tropical force winds that knocked trees and limbs intopower lines throughout its service area overnight, predominantly inWestchester County.

As of 7:00 a.m., the company was reporting approximately 1,100 customeroutages in Westchester County. The company has restored approximately 7,000customers since the start of the storm on Saturday and expects mostcustomers to be restored this afternoon, but some customers withsignificant damage are expected to be restored by 9:00 p.m. tonight. As thewind-storm continues, additional outages may occur.

Con Edison is urging any customer who loses power to notify the company bycalling 1-800-75-CONED. Customers with Internet access can also reportoutages online by going to www.conEd.com. They can also check on estimatedservice restoration times, although restoration times may not be availablewhile the strong winds continue and damages are still being assessed bycrews. Customers should not assume the company is aware that they arewithout service.

Con Edison has additional staff available to assess any damage, in additionto tree-trimming crews, skilled mechanics expert at making repairs tooverhead equipment, and safety personnel. The company is in contact the NewYork City Office of Emergency Management and Westchester County Departmentof Emergency Services to keep them up to date on all efforts.

Here are some safety tips to prepare for storm outages:

-- Have a lights-out kit that is well stocked and handy, with a battery-operated radio or TV, several flashlights and a supply of freshbatteries.

-- In the event of a power outage, customers should protect their majorappliances and any electronically-sensitive equipment, such as computers,by switching them to the "off" position.

-- Stay indoors. If you must go outside, stay away from downed and danglinglines. Treat all downed lines as if they are live and dangerous. Neverattempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that downed wirescan be hidden from view by tree limbs, leaves or water.

-- Report all downed wires to Con Edison and your local police departmentimmediately. If a power line falls on your car while you're in it, stayinside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.

-- If your power goes out, turn off all lights and appliances to preventoverloaded circuits when power is restored. Leave at least one light switchin the on position to alert you when power has been restored.

For more storm tips and preparation, and estimated restoration times, go tothe company's Storm Central site at www.ConEd.com