PSEG warns outages from weekend storm could last 7-10 days

PSEG Long Island is warning that outages from the weekend storm could last seven to 10 days, according to an alert from the utility Friday afternoon.

At the same time, the utility said it is ready to respond to outages and that its computer and other systems have been upgraded, enhanced and tested. "This is what we've been preparing for," said PSEG spokeswoman Ashley Chauvin.

PSEG said that in addition to its own several hundred employees, it has 1,200 contractors and off-Island crews who have been called in to help. That number could reach or exceed 2,000 if the potential impact of Tropical Storm Henri worsens, the company said. PSEG has also called in National Grid workers to help with the restoration.

"Given the potential intensity of the storm, some outages may last up to seven to 10 days," PSEG said. "The eastern end of Long Island is expected to experience the most severe weather and impact."

Chauvin said the utility took the unusual step of preparing customers for potential extended outages as the storm shifted west and appeared as if it might affect more customers. "We just wanted to be transparent about the storm's potential," she said. "We didn't want to wait any longer to warn customers about what this could bring," she said. "We thought it was important to set expectations for customers so that they know what to expect."

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said in a statement in response to the warning: "Potential seven- to 10-day power outages are unacceptable. While we are all hoping for the best outcome this weekend, PSEG must call in additional crews who are prepared to respond to our residents' outages."

Chauvin said there is the potential for considerable storm damage, particularly as more recent models show the storm tracking farther west on Long Island than earlier models.

"As the storm makes its way up the coast, employees are preparing for the possibility of high winds that can cause flying debris, and bring down trees and power lines. We encourage our customers to do the same at their homes and businesses," said Michael Sullivan, senior director of transmission and distribution at PSEG.

Preparations for Henri come as PSEG works through the failure of two major power lines to Long Island that supply around a fifth of capacity, and transformer problems with a third that has knocked out around half its 660-megawatt capacity. Last week, PSEG asked customers to eliminate all nonessential usage to prevent maxing out a system that has just over 5,900 megawatts. No major outages have been reported.

Friday's call for about 2,000 outside employees, and the increase from an earlier 1,200, was a function of the amount of damage the system could potentially cause, Chauvin said. Impacts from the storm could start in the middle of the night on Saturday, she said, with the worst expected midday Sunday.

PSEG operates the electric system under contract to LIPA, which owns it. PSEG and LIPA for months have been tangling over PSEG’s failed response to Tropical Storm Isaias a year ago. That fast-moving storm took out power for 535,000 customers, some for more than a week.

Chauvin declined to put a number on anticipated outages from Henri. But she said calls have gone out to all critical care and life support customers, telling them to prepare for the potential of an extended outage. "Our outreach provides life support customers with advance notice so they may make appropriate arrangements to remain safe," Chauvin said. The messages in some cases help those customers make decisions about moving to places where power is expected to be available.

Chauvin said PSEG has upgraded, enhanced and tested all systems and protocols in advance of the storm, and doesn't expect the same computer problems that were experienced during Isiais.

LIPA had sued PSEG for breach of contract relating to the Isaias response and problems it found in the aftermath. But the two parties in June reached a tentative agreement on an improved contract that LIPA said will address many of the problems, though full contract terms would not take effect until Jan. 1. Contract negotiations continue.

LIPA in a statement Friday said, "While there is still uncertainly in Henri’s track, this storm has the potential to become a category-1 hurricane, bringing high winds, rain, and flooding. LIPA and PSEG Long Island will work around the clock to ensure any affected customers are restored as safely as quickly as possible."