NSTAR crews and contractors have restored power to over 200,000 customers impacted since the historic nor'easter hit the region this past weekend. With tens-of-thousands of residents across Massachusetts still in the dark, NSTAR is releasing 73 of its contractor crews so they can head west to help fellow lineworkers restore power in hard-hit communities there.

"We couldn't be more proud of the way our workers responded to the very difficult conditions they faced following this historic storm," said Tom May, NSTAR Chairman, President and CEO. "With the job at hand nearly complete, it's important we help out others in our state who are still feeling the effects of the nor'easter."

NSTAR's obligation to provide great service to customers is never more important than during a storm or emergency, and it's a responsibility the company takes very seriously. Planning for the nor'easter began early last week. In response to it, NSTAR activated four Emergency Operating Centers across its service territory and, on Sunday morning, escalated its efforts to Emergency Response Plan Level 5, the company's highest level of preparedness and response. Line crews from as far away as Michigan, Ohio and Florida joined NSTAR workers in the repair effort.

In the weeks following Tropical Storm Irene, NSTAR incorporated important improvements into its emergency response that benefited communities and customers during the nor'easter. Those improvements included additional outreach with local emergency officials to help with the prioritization and coordination of NSTAR's response to emergency calls. The company also focused on additional cross-training of employees so more workers were available to assist in the storm restoration by performing tasks such as equipment repair, response to downed-wire calls and damage assessment.

With power restored to customers whose homes are able to accept it, it's important to note in some instances customers will need an electrician and a wiring inspection before NSTAR can reconnect them to the electric grid. And, because residual damage may still be identified, customers whose electric service is still affected are advised to report it by calling 1-800-592-2000.

NSTAR is the largest Massachusetts-based, investor-owned electric and gas utility. The company transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas to 1.4 million customers in Eastern and Central Massachusetts, including more than one million electric customers in 81 communities and 300,000 gas customers in 51 communities. For more information, visit www.nstar.com.

NSTAR
Caroline Allen, 617-424-2460
or
Michael Durand, 508-441-5831
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Evening and weekends, 617-541-7888