OUTAGES

Recent outages experienced by some customers have been entirely due to animals (a raccoon, birds and squirrels), getting between energized and grounded parts of the Sterling Light Department’s electrical high voltage system.  We install insulating guards to prevent this on areas of our equipment that are very common and easy for wildlife to access, however, it is not feasible to guard all energized components, and as a result, these areas remain vulnerable to wildlife contacts.  

There are reclosers installed on the high voltage system that successively de-energize and re-energize the circuit, up to three times per an occurrence, in an attempt to clear the fault (wildlife contact).  If the fault clears the power will come back on automatically, if it does not clear the recloser will de-energize the circuit, and a SMLD employee will need to troubleshoot the problem and restore the power to the affected area.  We are always working towards increasing the reliability of the Sterling Light Department’s electrical system.   

POWER LINE LOCATION DIAGRAM

As we all know from December 2008, snowy conditions can be perilous.  The SMLD is fortunate to have completed permanent repair work from that December 2008 Ice Storm, along with ongoing tree-trimming work, and having a strong power system. 

What we learned from this particular storm (and others) was that our community often sees downed wires and thinks that they are all SMLD power wires.  In some cases the lines are cable television (Comcast) and/or phone wires (Verizon). 

In an effort to help us focus on our primary work, the electric utility power lines, please be very descriptive when you call into the SMLD Customer Service team to report downed wires.  The more detail that you give us will help us to determine the correct course of action.  For instance, did you hear a noise prior to your power outage?  Do you still have power?  It is important to note if you still have power, but no cable or telephone service.

The SMLD would like to help its customers to identify cable television, phone and power wires.  Please see the picture below showing a detailed image of these lines with each labeled for your information.   Please recognize that the SMLD is not responsible for Comcast or Verizon lines, or their exact location to your residence.  This general diagram is being provided to assist the SMLD in responding to power outages quickly and effectively when you report them to us.  As always, please call the SMLD Customer Service team at 978-422-8267 with any questions.  Thank you.

* Given the proper information, we can dispatch our crews to SMLD outages efficiently and effectively.  So, when calling in to report an outage or a downed line let us know:  

• Do you have power in your home?

• If not, can you tell which line is down?

• If so, is there a problem with a circuit in your own home?  Please check your home’s circuit breaker panel.

• Was a generator ever in use?

• Do you have blinking lights?

• Do your neighbors have lights, or is a town street light on?

• Is your cable out?

• Is your telephone out?