Cumberland Times-News

Local News

December 7, 2012

Potomac Edison begins post-storm repairs in Garrett

$350,000 project expected to improve reliability of service

From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — Potomac Edison crews, assisted by 20 contracted linemen and 18 tree contractors, converged on Garrett County this week to begin a special $350,00 project to improve service reliability for its customers in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

The Oct. 29 storm devastated Garrett County with 2 feet of heavy, wet snow that downed power lines, poles, trees and tree limbs, disrupting electrical service to 30,000 customers.

Throughout the county, Potomac Edison replaced 250 poles — compared to 90 in its seven-county Maryland service territory in the June 29 derecho — in addition to 160 transformers and 23 miles of wire.

Approximately 1,600 people worked to restore electrical service to the county, including 650 contracted, outside utility linemen supported by 350 tree trimmers.

“These crews traveled to Garrett County from 12 different states and worked side-by-side with local Potomac Edison employees to make repairs. The team did a fantastic job getting the lights back on as quickly as possible,” said Todd Meyers, Potomac Edison spokesman.

“However, much post-storm work remains to prepare our electrical infrastructure for the county’s typical harsh winter weather. Potomac Edison has implemented a post-storm repair plan to finish the job,” he said.

The project began Monday and will continue two more weeks.

Potomac Edison would like to hear from customers who have observed dangling tree limbs or have experienced intermittent service problems. Calls may be placed to 800-686-0011.

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