- National Weather Service Winter Storm and High Wind Watches across much of Vermont
- Be alert to changing conditions in your area
- In addition to GMP crews, company more than doubled field force with external crews to assist
COLCHESTER, Vt. – Green Mountain Power (GMP) is alerting customers that forecasters are calling for high winds starting Wednesday in many portions of Vermont, followed by heavy precipitation through Thursday which could fall as potentially damaging heavy wet snow. GMP’s Field Operations team tracks multiple forecasts for days in advance of severe weather and in addition to GMP’s own internal crews, GMP has more than doubled its field force with external crews to respond as needed.
“With the potential for high wind gusts and snow that is wet and heavy, safety is paramount. Customers should watch the forecast and be alert to changing conditions with this storm. Travel could be difficult throughout for anyone who must be on the road,” said Mike Burke, GMP’s vice president of field operations. “And remember, always stay far away from any downed lines or trees.”
Here are safety reminders for before, during, and after storms:
- Pay attention to the weather forecast and changing conditions
- Keep your phone charged
- Have flashlights with fresh batteries, water and non-perishable food handy
- Stay far away from any downed lines
- Always assume downed lines and trees are energized – you cannot tell by looking at them
- Call GMP to report downed lines
- Call 911 for medical emergencies
- Call Vermont 211 for help with emergency housing and more
More storm preparation and safety tips are available on GMP’s website.
Using the GMP app is a convenient way to report outages, track restoration, and manage your GMP account. Signing up for GMP Text Alerts sends storm and restoration updates to your cellphone. You can also report outages through the Outage Center on GMP’s website or call 888-835-4672.
Extreme weather conditions and storms are growing increasingly common in Vermont and GMP has been working proactively by rapidly (1) undergrounding lines in many areas, (2) storm-hardening above ground lines with stronger cables, and (3) expanding energy storage, microgrids and resiliency zones.
About Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power serves more than 275,000 residential and business customers in Vermont with electricity that’s 100% carbon free and 80% renewable on an annual basis. GMP is partnering with customers to provide solutions that deliver resiliency and affordability while cutting carbon and costs for all. GMP is the first utility in the world to get a B Corp certification, meeting rigorous social, environmental, accountability and transparency standards and committing to use business as a force for good. GMP was named to Fast Company’s 2024 Most Innovative Companies in the World list, the sixth time earning that honor. In 2023 and 2021 the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) honored GMP as a nationwide leader in energy transformation. And, in 2022 GMP was named to TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential Companies for its groundbreaking resiliency work to transform the grid for customers.
With the potential for high wind gusts and snow that is wet and heavy, safety is paramount. Customers should watch the forecast and be alert to changing conditions with this storm.
Mike Burke, GMP’s vice president of field operations