UI is Prepared with Extra Crews for Heavy Rain and Wind

Customers are encouraged to prepare for potential outages beginning this evenings

ORANGE, Conn. - March 16, 2026 - In advance of the strong storm system expected today into tomorrow, United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc., is prepared and fully staffed to respond in the event of power outages. The forecasted storm is expected to bring heavy rain as well as gusting wind. The company is building up its staffing by bringing in additional crews and encouraging customers to prepare for potential outages.

"We are prepared for potentially hazardous conditions across our service area this afternoon into tomorrow," said Angela Baccaro, UI spokesperson. "The forecast shows rain and strong winds with gusts of 35 to 45 MPH and peak gusts of 50 MPH, which may cause damage to trees and utility services. We are asking our customers to use caution and be prepared for potential power outages. Customers can also visit our website to report outages at any time and sign up for Outage Alerts to receive up-to-date information on Estimated Restoration Times. With the heavy gusting winds, it is important to always stay away from downed wires and assume all downed wires are energized and dangerous."

To help customers prepare for potential power outages, UI has compiled a storm checklist available at Storm Checklist - UI. This checklist includes tips and resources for customers, such as:

• Charge your cell phone, and make sure your flashlights and battery-powered radios are charged and easy to find;
• Stock up on canned and dried foods that require no refrigeration and little or no cooking. Be sure you have an old-fashioned, manual can opener on hand;
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. With below-freezing temperatures, you can store foods in a shed or garage. Keep frozen foods outside in wooden or metal containers - but be sure to place containers out of direct sunlight.

Customers can stay up to date on current outages with UI's Outage Map, with information on estimated restoration times.

If you experience a power outage, you can report:
• Online or call 800.722.5584 (800.7.CALL.UI).
• Through our Mobile App, available from the App Store and Google Play.
• By texting OUT to 78418. Registration is required.

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Media Contact:
Angela Baccaro
[email protected]
(203) 836-0874