National Grid earns EEI Emergency Assistance Award for upstate New York restoration support

National Grid has been named the recipient of Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Assistance Award for the company’s “exceptional performance” in restoring power after Winter Storm Quiana – with wind speeds of up to 75 mph – impacted 180,000 customers across upstate New York.

The EEI award recognizes select companies’ efforts in power restoration after service disruptions caused by severe weather conditions or other natural events. Following an international nomination process, a panel of judges selects the winners.

This is National Grid’s 21st emergency response award from EEI, an association that represents U.S. investor-owned utilities.

“We are honored and grateful to have our restoration work recognized by Edison Electric Institute,” said John Bruckner, National Grid’s New York president. “It’s testimony to the tremendous efforts by the women and men on National Grid’s upstate New York team who are committed to excellence and to serving our customers.”

Powerful wind gusts that began in western New York on Feb. 23 lasted nearly two full days, moved eastward and paralyzing portions of National Grid’s 25,000-square-mile upstate New York service area. A field force of nearly 3,600 workers cleared away hazards, including thousands of fallen trees and broken branches, to gain access to downed power lines and damaged equipment that needed repair. All total, more than 200 broken utility poles and 80 transformers were replaced. Meanwhile, hundreds of workers behind the scenes responded to customer calls and assisted in several areas, including working closely with stakeholders, municipal leaders, logistics, procurement, and informational outreach via social media and traditional media.

“National Grid is deserving of this award for its efforts to restore service quickly and safely in the Northeast after Winter Storm Quiana,” EEI President Tom Kuhn said. “The dedication of National Grid’s crews reflects our industry’s commitment to our customers, and I thank them for their tireless work.”