To the Editor:

It’s quite distressing that, in the year 2020, with so much depending on instant communication and electrical power, and in the middle of a pandemic, we apparently don’t have a coordinated plan between the utility companies and state and local governments to immediately respond to storm-related power outages.

So many people depend on power in their homes to run vital medical equipment and keep essential medications and foodstuffs refrigerated. And so many people depend on power to work at home, particularly in the middle of a pandemic. I can’t imagine how the elderly or infirm, or those with a family of young children, managed to get by without power, running water, flushable toilets, showers, refrigerated foods, etc. Not to mention the hundreds of dollars lost by spoiled foods and then the added expenses of takeout or delivery foods every night. And it’s quite dangerous to have so many streets blocked for so long with fallen trees and power lines, blocking access for ambulances, fire trucks or other emergency vehicles.

Eversource’s communication with customers was nonexistent, and it took four-five days for my neighborhood to even get an estimate when power would be back. Despite its past promises after so many previous crippling storms, Eversource was not prepared to quickly respond to power failures, assess the damages, and provide needed repair information to consumers.

But does all the criticism rest with Eversource? Isn’t it time for state and local politicians to demand and develop an effective, coordinated plan with Eversource to be ready to mobilize the minute after a storm does damage? The governor quickly called out the National Guard, but where were they? Didn’t see them in Newtown. Wouldn’t it make sense to start training the National Guard how to operate saws and cut tree limbs instead of simply training them to respond to disturbances that rarely happen?

Right after the power outage, we were told that Newtown crews were ready to go but couldn’t do anything without Eversource workers. Why couldn’t local crews, volunteer firefighters with saws and other volunteers have begun clearing and cutting trees, pitching in with a community spirit like days of yesteryear? There were plenty of trees to clear that didn’t pose an electrical wiring danger. Why can’t local and state officials direct cleanup efforts and force Eversource to overstaff for impending emergencies?

Why can’t a powerful coordinated response plan be put in place?

Gary Stoller

15 Old Purdy Station, Newtown August 24, 2020