Versant Power prepares for high winds, snow and sleet

Bangor and Presque Isle, Maine — Versant Power is preparing for impacts of high winds, snow and sleet expected to begin early Saturday morning. Wind gusts up to 60mph are predicted throughout our service territory through Saturday afternoon, with the strongest winds expected along the coast.

“We have additional internal and external line and tree crews ready to respond to storm damage and restoration Saturday and through the weekend,” states Versant Power storm manager Warren Morgan. “With the wind speeds predicted, crews are preparing for a multi-day restoration and we ask that customers prepare accordingly as well.”

Any customers with special medical needs are encouraged to create a plan to follow if power to their home is interrupted for a period of time. Everyone can prepare for the possibility of power outages and difficult travel by:

• Ensuring you have a supply of fresh water and easy-to-make nonperishable food items.
  
• Charging your cellphone and other electronic devices.
  
• Preparing flashlights and a battery-operated radio in case you must shelter in place until it is safe to travel.
  
• Calling 211, texting 898-211 or visiting 211Maine.org for a complete listing of emergency shelters or other services provided within their community. 
  

If you must travel Saturday, be mindful of blowing snow, flooding or pooling of water on roadways, as well as downed trees, branches or power lines. Do not attempt to remove any downed limbs or trees that have come in contact with power lines. Never touch a downed power line or a tree in contact with one, as it is not possible to tell if a line is energized simply by looking at it.

In addition to crews in the field, Versant Power will have extra Customer Service Representatives and other support staff ready to help if your power goes out. You can fill out a Power Issue Report Form at versantpower.com or call our Customer Contact Center at 1.855.363.7211 or 207.973.2000. Customers in can also report an outage directly from their Online Services account.  

Versant Power is committed to delivering safe, reliable electric service. As the state's second-largest electric utility, the company delivers electricity to more than 165,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across 10,400 square miles in northern and eastern Maine.