Business & Tech

Unitil: Peak Hours of Storm Approaching

Wind and sleet, tonight and tomorrow, could cause damage.

Unitil Corporation, (unitil.com), a provider of natural gas and electricity to customers in New England, expects the highest volume of snow and sleet to fall tonight and into tomorrow.

According to the most recent forecasts, as much as 6-8 inches of additional snow remain possible throughout Unitil’s electric service territories, as well as gusty winds and sleet in some areas. Depending on the consistency of the snow, this volume could be potentially damaging to tree limbs and to utility poles, meaning the possibility for electric outages exists for this event. 

“Temperatures are expected to warm into the evening, increasing the likelihood for wetter, stickier snow and sleet,” Unitil Media Relations Manager Alec O’Meara said. “We will continue to monitor the forecast and we remain prepared to escalate if necessary.”

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As snow continues to accumulate, we urge customers to keep electric meters and gas vents clear of snow and ice. Heavy snow and icicles can have an impact on home meters, especially natural gas meters and vents. As snow accumulates, Unitil advises customers to take the following steps: 

*Remove snow and ice carefully from a meter or outdoor appliance vent carefully with a broom. Do not use a shovel as it can damage the meter.  

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*Avoid shoveling or plowing snow up against or covering the meter or pipe.

*Remove icicles from overhead eaves and gutters to assure dripping water does not freeze the meter or vent pipe. Contact a qualified roofing vendor if you cannot reach icicles yourself.

*Do not kick your gas meter in an attempt to break ice off, as this too can cause damage.

Keeping vents and meters clear will allow for proper ventilation and can prevent carbon monoxide buildup within your home.

Unitil has secured additional third party crews to provide assistance at each of its regional operation centers should the need arise. While there are no current plans to open the system-wide emergency operations center, Unitil staff will continue to closely monitor the forecast and will be prepared to escalate its response if warranted.  

Unitil will be communicating throughout the restoration through Public Service Announcements (PSAs), our website, our customer call center and through the media.  We also encourage customers to follow along with our storm updates via Facebook, our Twitter feed (@Unitil) and we will be providing real-time outage information online at unitil.com/map.

In the event of downed wires, assume all cables and wires that have fallen or dangling are energized and stay away.  Be sure to avoid wet ground or puddles near a downed lined because water conducts electricity.  In addition, keep away from all flooded and debris laden areas because they may be hiding downed lines.  Stay in a safe place and avoid driving in damaged areas so you don’t interfere with rescue and restoration efforts.           

Customers experiencing outages should call the following toll-free numbers:

- For the NH Seacoast Area: 1-800-582-7276

- For the NH Capital Area: 1-800-852-3339

- For Massachusetts: 1-888-301-7700

You can also report outages online at unitil.com/report-outage

About Unitil Corporation

Unitil Corporation provides energy for life by safely and reliably delivering natural gas and electricity in New England. We are committed to the communities we serve and to developing people, business practices and technologies that lead to dependable, more efficient energy. Unitil Corporation is a public utility holding company with operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Together, Unitil’s operating utilities serve approximately 102,400 electric customers and 75,900 natural gas customers. Subsidiaries include Usource, Unitil’s non-regulated business segment. For more information about our people, technologies and community involvement please visit unitil.com.


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