Few MED Customers Lose Power During Recent Storm

MASSENA - While thousands of St. Lawrence County residents were without power for several hours during an ice storm on Jan. 13, Massena Electric Department only saw about 105 of its customers go without power for at most 90 minutes.

MED Superintendent Andrew J. McMahon said approximately 65 customers on the Hopson Road lost power for 90 minutes, while another 40 customers in the area of Sherwood Avenue and Westwood Drive lost power for 35 minutes.

"With any storm there are many components, including luck and where the storm hits, but over the last five to 10 years our average interruption duration index is among the best in the country," he said.

Mr. McMahon explained that figure is based on the total number of minutes per year their customers are without power.

"It's like golf. You want to keep it low," he said.

As for how MED is able to maintain such a low index, he said it's all about caring for their lines.

"We spend a lot of time maintaining our system and equipment, including the trees around it," he said. "We tend to do the right thing and when Mother Nature takes it course you can only hope for the best."

The reliability of Massena Electric's system got another test Friday with a mixture of freezing rain, sleet and snow hitting the area.