Londonderry News

By 11:15 AM on Friday December 18, 2008, 91% of PSNH customers who had lost power with the ice storm now had power restored. There were only about 28,000 customers that were still without power. PSNH did not give an estimate of how many of these customers were in Londonderry. The Union Leader did estimate that there were at least 800 Londonderry homes without electricity on one circuit. After surveying the town, there was around 128 roads partially or completely without power. “PSNH had better not claim they have 95% of Londonderry restored.” After speaking with Sharon Carson, the best guess was that those without power by that night, should expect to be out until at least Monday.

There were now more than 850 line, contract, and tree-cutting crews throughout New Hampshire. It was unknown exactly how many were in Londonderry at the time, however. “One PSNH lady said there were 20 crews in Londonderry another said 6.” The crews, trained to work in all types of weather, would continue working around the clock through the storm said to move in that afternoon. The snow arrived and by 3 PM there was about an inch on the ground. The rate of snowfall was increasing to about 1 to 2 inches per hour.

PSNH had reportedly not submitted an update to the town since the day prior. Sharon Carson, Senator Elect, did speak with the Director of Public Utilities Commissioner, Tom Getz (sp) and he stated he would contact Gary Long, the President of PSNH. She informed the Director that she wanted confirmation of the number of crews in Londonderry, what power would remain out and an estimation of restoration. She was also told that the biggest issue was the “3133 X out of the Lawrence Rd Sub station.” The station is located just across the border in Hudson and supplies power to a large area of Route 102.

In an update from the Town Manager and Council Chairman Marty Bove, it was announced that the Red Cross Shelter would remain open as long as it seemed necessary. It was also stated that “staff was traveling throughout the community today reconfirming locations of downed power lines, and communicated that information to PSNH.”

Residents were told that, if they had power and had a generator that was no longer being used, it would be appreciated if they could lend it to someone without power. There were still many residents without power and the need for generators was still great. Residents were asked, “Do you have a generator longing for a little run?….If you have one or are looking for one. Send us an email…”

The Customer Service Call Center at PSNH was working “flawlessly” according to the Technical Analyst of Operations for PSNH. The volume of calls peaked at between 7 and 8 thousand phone calls per half hour and there were no busy signals to customers.

Feel free to leave comments about this article or your memories from Day 8 of the storm.

To read any of the articles published on this day, one year ago, follow these links:

Generator Cables A short statement announcing they received generator cables and connectors at Home Depot. Click to find out which Home Depot location.

Where’s Watty! Another “Where’s Watty?” image, this one containing trucks and cars. Find out what residents said about the PSNH trucks in town. This also has 14 comments from readers.

Latest News from PSNH This is an update giving the number of residents in New Hampshire that had power as of 11:15 AM, and also keeps readers updated on the tracking of the weather and restoration efforts across the state. Click to discover where emergency operation centers had been set up.

Bad News Londonderry A brief statement regarding a phone call from Sharon Carson, Senator Elect, and the anticipated prediction of restoration for those without power. Find out what was expected.

Town of Londonderry Update An update from the Town Manager at 3:00 PM announcing additions to the first press release from the previous day. Click to find out what was added.

Londonderry, Generator Match Maker An article asking residents with power to “match make” their generators with those still without. Find out how many needed generators.

Inside PSNH’s Customer Service Center Contains a video about the call center. Click to find out who Don Olmstead is and what he had to say.

Power to the Powerless! A publication regarding updates from Sharon Carson, and suggestions for the residents. Discover what was suggested.

We Spot a Watty!!!!! A very short statement saying a truck was spotted near our “command center” in Londonderry. Click to find out where. This has 15 comments from readers.