Readers Not Pleased With Extended Power Outage
Most National Grid customers in Tewksbury have had their power restored but many were upset it took as long as it did.
As of Tuesday morning, only around 300 National Grid customers remained without power due to the impact of Tropical Storm Irene.
At various points since Sunday's storm, more that 4,000 homes were without power due to downed trees and power lines, many for at least 24 hours.
Tewksbury Patch readers who had been without power were asked to share their feelings on our Facebook Page and here is a sampling of their responses as of Monday afternoon:
Erin Whealan Anderson: We're still without power on the Whipple end of Pleasant Street. No real updates from National Grid and can't get a live person on the phone. I am glad for those who were restored but frustrated at the lack of information or a real time estimate for the rest of us. Horrible.
Michelle J. Sorrentino: I and on the same page with Erin ... definitely annoyed!!!
Robin Marcotte Pothier: We've been out since 10:15 Sunday and have lost hundreds in groceries too--there's probably a deductible with my insurance so a claim may not be worthwhile. School starts tomorrow so we may need to make some alternate arrangements too. I already saw some downed wires/telephone poles around town with no crews on the scene yet..I think this will be a very long recovery process.
Donna E. King: I have been without power for 27 hrs now on Whited Ave off Trull rd, it went out right before 8am yesterday! My 2 yr old isn't happy & I can't believe that my older son had school today unreal. I was told by National grid this morning it could be a few day or up to a week!
Nicole Gauthier Downing: Same here. Been without power since 10:20am on Sunday. Crews worked last night on a downed tree, but still no power. Called NG who said that they are estimating a week. Not good with school starting tomorrow!!
Christian Daniels Panasuk: I'm over here with Donna, on Trull Road. Our street is notorious for power outages at the whisper of bad weather. Been off now for 29 hours. We bit the bullet two years ago and had a whole house generator installed... after a storm in the winter meant two days without power or heat/hot water. Based on the cost of a few nights in a hotel, and two refrigerator/freezers worth of bad food, it was worth it. Ours runs the whole house off the gas line, and was worth the investment.
denise
5:30 pm on Tuesday, August 30, 2011
I feel bad for these people with food in the fridge going bad....we were without power in South Tewksbury for 7 hours...and we are planning on getting a generator...My thoughts go out to the people with still no power....
Tess
6:23 pm on Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Whats with everyone using there middle name?
Bill Gilman
6:50 pm on Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tess, these were comments taken from off of the Tewksbury Patch Facebook Page.
Christian Panasuk
10:06 am on Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Bill, next time you copy comments off your Facebook page, you might want to protect the full identity of the posters. Perhaps you could shorten the name to just the "first name" since you allow Patch ID holders to use only their first name. I believe your policy is that Patch IDs should be first and last name, but members are allowed to get by on just one name.
Kirsten
9:29 pm on Tuesday, August 30, 2011
I can't even imagine what the impact is on the residents without water. What happens to the residents who need electricity for medical reasons(refrigerated meds, machines, nightly dosages under flashlight, etc.)? One woman spoke of her 2y/o, and my heart goes out to her. My 2y/o requires a nightlight at night and a warm bath to calm him down, never mind fresh, healthy food. People don't look at food as being an issue, but children and elderly are most susceptible to dehydration, constipation, and so many other things from even the smallest of dietary changes/temp changes.
malcolm nichols
7:27 am on Wednesday, August 31, 2011
At least there will be a savings on the water, sewer and power usage.
Perhaps life without a TV for a day or two is an unintended consequence, however, was it better?
Mary
8:23 am on Wednesday, August 31, 2011
My daughter lives in Tyngsboro and had to come to stay with us. In Tyngsboro they didn't get the electricity back until yesterday afternoon. (Tuesday, Aug. 30). In her house the toilet runs off of a pump which is connected to a well. You get one flush and that is the end of it. Not only did she lose all of her food, she wasn't able to flush her toilets. At this point it is not only a problem not having electricity for everyday conveniences, it is a health concern. I totally feel bad for all of you that do not have your electric back yet. If you look around Tewksbury you will notice that the electric company has not done a good job in pruning the trees around the wires. If they don't get with it, it will be a long hard winter!
Christian Panasuk
10:01 am on Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Slow down, these comments were gleaned from a very social Facebook page, where the posting was:
"Is yours one of the 2,500 homes in Tewksbury without power? How long have you been without? How is this impacting your life? Do you think enough is being done to restore power? Let us know."
So, people like me, were just providing feedback and info -- NOT agressively complaining! The Patch reposted this into an article stating that some residents are not pleased. Perhaps some context should have been given in the article, and the original question posted. Also, the Patch re-posted our comments with our FULL names, so those of you commenting with just your Patch ID protecting your anonymity -- don't judge.
Dirk Anderson
12:01 pm on Wednesday, August 31, 2011
It is too bad Sarah's power wasn't hit so I wouldn't have to read her posts.
Mary
7:35 am on Thursday, September 1, 2011
I think, Sarah, you should go and live with the Amish. It sounds like you would fit in well. We don't look back at the days that we didn't have these conveniences. We have moved forward and miss the things we have grown a custom to. Let's keep to the problem that their are alot of unfortunate people that don't have their electric back. I can sympathize with them. It has been out much too long.