Aug. 7, 2020:

Dear Neighbor,

Our state has been devastated by Tropical Storm Isaias, causing over 700,000 power outages across Connecticut, prompting Governor Ned Lamont Wednesday to apply for an emergency declaration from the federal government. The declaration was approved and allows Connecticut to request direct federal assistance to bolster its response.

Despite ongoing efforts, 414,000 customers are still without power and will remain in the dark into next week as Eversource predicts power restoration will be "substantially complete" by Tuesday at 11:59 p.m.

I have heard from many of you and I fully understand your frustration and concerns, particularly about those with special equipment needs and the elderly. I wish I had an immediate solution, but unfortunately, I don't.

I drove around the 102nd district and although we are now at about 30% there is still much more work to be done. There is a major project on Maple Street that is affecting the Branford Point area. A crew from Canada has been working all day and word is that the power will be restored. I'm hoping that gets the majority of ES customers back up though I have heard of wires down along Smugglers.

In the meantime, if you need to charge phones, there are stations set up at Town Hall and at the Branford Fire HQ on Rt. 1, as well as at the Fire Departments in Indian Neck, Stony Creek and Short Beach.

Eversource's response to Tropical Storm Isaias has been unacceptable and abysmal. The level of unpreparedness, lack of communication and responsiveness from our largest energy company has been inexcusable. I join Governor Lamont and Attorney General Tong, and my colleagues in calling for an immediate investigation into Eversource on their preparation and response to this storm. Since major storms in 2011 and 2012, ratepayers have spent millions to strengthen the electric grid and improve communications systems, which all failed during the storm.

With some of the highest energy rates in the continental US, our constituents and ratepayers deserve better, and Eversource executives must be held accountable.

Residents still without power can find helpful information below:

• Report an outage: Eversource.com or call 1-800-286-2000

• Check the status of road closures: CT Travel Smart

• Emergency Shelter: American Red Cross or call 2-1-1

• Food pantries: Visit 211ct.org/foodpantries or call 2-1-1 (option 3)

• CT Insurance Department: Visit ct.gov/CID or call 800-203-3447

As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office.

Sincerely,

Robin Comey

State Representative