Mon Power Restores Service To Nearly 85 Percent Of Customers Affected By Hurricane Sandy

FAIRMONT, W.V., Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mon Power has restored service to more than 169,000 customers of the approximately 201,000 customers who lost power as a result of Hurricane Sandy. 

More than 2,700 Mon Power employees, contractors and outside utility crew members – including 300 linemen from American Electric Power who arrived today – are working to restore power to 32,000 customers who remain without service. 

"We continue to bring in personnel and resources and deploy them to the harder hit areas," said Jim Haney, FirstEnergy utility executive.  "We appreciate the support from American Electric Power, National Guard, Department of Highways and other organizations in this massive restoration effort."

Approximately 700 miles of the more than 900 miles of transmission lines damaged by the storm have been restored.  However, crews remain challenged by the mountainous terrain and areas still covered in deep snow. 

The majority of affected Mon Power customers are expected to be restored by Friday night.  Customers located in remote parts of Barbour, Braxton, Clay, Nicholas, Preston, Randolph, Tucker and Webster counties may not be fully restored until the end of the weekend.

"We greatly appreciate our customers' patience as crews continue repairing damage.  The remaining work is especially labor intensive," added Haney. 

A complete list of estimated restoration times is available on the web at www.firstenergycorp.com/storminfo.

As snow and debris from the storm is cleared, customers are cautioned never to touch or drive over downed lines.  Customers should always assume downed wires are carrying electricity and are reminded to keep their children and pets away from them.  Downed wires should be reported immediately to Mon Power at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), or by calling the local police or fire department.  Customers should never try to remove trees or limbs from power lines because they could conduct electricity; instead, wait for emergency services or utility crews to arrive.

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