Dec 31, 2008 2:04 pm US/Eastern
Unitil Apologizes For Slow Power Restoration
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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The Dec. 12 ice storm downed power lines throughout central and western Massachusetts.
Tyner Lawrence/WBZ
Weeks after an ice storm knocked out power to all ofÂ
Unitil's customers – in some cases for as many as 12 days -- the electric company is apologizing.
In a letter to its customers in Fitchburg, Lunenburg, Townsend and Ashby, Unitil's CEO and chairman, Robert G. Schoenberger, called the damaging ice storm an "unfortunate situation," and "we sincerely apologize."
Schoenberger says 100 percent of its customers in Massachusetts
lost power during the storm.
"While every effort was extended to restore service as soon as possible, nearly 20 percent remained out for 7 days and 4 percent were out for as many as 12 days," the company said.
Unitil cites extraordinary severe damage to major electrical circuits requiring longer repair times as part of the lengthy restoration time. It also noted "an unprecedented demand by New England utility companies for line workers throughout the eastern United States" as an issue.
"In our most difficult challenges there are always important lessons to learn. As we salute those who sacrificed so much in dealing with this disaster, we are also committed to learning the lessons it offers," Schoenberger said in the company's letter. "We are committed to working with others in our communities and across the region to apply these lessons and make the changes needed so we can all do a better job in the future. We will keep you updated on our progress as we take steps now to mitigate the impact of future storms on your home and your community."
The apology comes just days after Lunenburg officials discussed
getting rid of the company.
A movement is underway for the town to switch electric companies altogether. Nearly 300 signatures fill a petition to do away with Unitil – something locals had talked about a decade ago after a similar ice storm.
Their complaints pointed at the company now under fire for what some call an unacceptably slow response getting customers' lights back on after the now infamous ice storm.
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