Central Hudson crews continue to make progress in restoring electric service following the devastating ice storm that struck the region on Thursday and Friday. More than 75,000 customers were impacted since the beginning of the storm, with crews restoring power to nearly 70,000 customers since Thursday night. About 6,400 customers remain without power as of 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, in the following areas:

·        Albany and Greene counties – 1,100

·        Columbia and central/northern Dutchess counties – 4,700

·        Orange and southern Ulster counties – 500

·        Central and northern Ulster County – 100

Although many customers will have their power restored sooner, the latest estimated restoration times for those who remain out of service are as follows:

• Orange and Southern Ulster counties (from New Paltz south): nearly all customers by Sunday night, Dec. 14, with remaining few by mid-day Monday, Dec. 15;
• Northern Ulster County (Ellenville and points north of New Paltz to the Greene County line) most customers by Sunday night, Dec. 14, with the remaining by mid-day Monday, Dec. 15;
• Greene and Albany counties: nearly all customers by midnight, Monday, Dec. 15, with remaining on Tuesday mid-day, Dec. 16;
• Central Dutchess County: most customers by Monday night, Dec. 15, with remaining Tuesday night, Dec. 16.
• Northern Dutchess and Columbia counties: most customers by Tuesday night, Dec. 16, with remaining by Wednesday night, Dec. 17.

The hardest hit areas remaining include in Greene County, southeast Columbia County and northern Dutchess County. Severe damage in the towns of Gallatin, western Pine Plains, Milan and eastern Rhinebeck will likely extend restoration in those areas until Wednesday, as downed trees and heavy ice still remain, three days after the initial storm. More than 25 poles will be replaced in those areas, and repair crews are working closely with tree contractors to access blocked areas. Similar conditions exist in the towns of New Baltimore and Coeymans and other communities in Greene County, and in limited areas of Orange County.

Dry ice will be available for customers without power in Albany County at Cornell Hook and Ladder Fire Department, 77 Gill Road, New Baltimore, starting in the morning at about 10:00 a.m.

Crews from nearby utilities are assisting Central Hudson as part of the regional Mutual Aid program. Ten crews from Jersey Central Power & Light and 7 crews from Con Edison arrived on Saturday afternoon to assist in the restoration effort.

Customers who have not reported their power outage should do so by calling Central Hudson’s automated PowerLine at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714. Customers are also reminded to stay away from downed power lines, which may be energized and dangerous, and to place generators outdoors, in well-ventilated areas. For more information on restoration efforts, shelter locations and dry ice distribution, log onto www.CentralHudson.com.

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