UI is Fully Staffed for Upcoming Storm
The company is monitoring forecasted thunderstorms for Saturday and ready to respond
ORANGE, Conn. — July 17, 2026 – United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc., is monitoring and prepared to respond in the event of thunderstorms on Saturday. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop on Saturday, July 18, during the late morning and early afternoon. The main hazard will be lightning strikes and wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph.
“We are monitoring the forecast for tomorrow to prepare for possible thunderstorms across our service territory beginning in the late morning and continuing through the evening,” said Angela Baccaro, UI spokesperson. “Our crews are fully staffed and ready to respond to any potential damage to our electric distribution system and localized outages due to downed trees or lightning strikes. We will restore power as quickly and safely as possible to customers in the event of outages. Customers are encouraged to take steps such as keeping flashlights on hand, fully charging devices, and stocking up on water. As always, assume all downed wires are energized and stay far away.”
UI will be increasing its staffing levels to enhance the ability to respond to possible storm-related damage and outages. 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:
Before a Storm
Sign up for our free Outage Alerts service. You will automatically receive notifications with the latest information about your power outage.
Keep long-lasting LED flashlights and lanterns on hand, along with a battery-operated radio, fresh batteries, drinking water, non-perishable foods and prescription medications.
Fully charge mobile devices and store emergency contacts in memory.
Fuel vehicles and fill spare fuel tanks for generators.
Safety Tips
Stay far away from downed wires and anything that may be in contact with them. Report downed wires and other electrical hazards to UI at 800-722-5584.
If a downed wire comes in contact with your vehicle, stay inside, call 911 and wait for help. If you must get out because of fire or other danger, avoid making contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Jump clear of the vehicle, land with your feet together, and hop away with both feet together, or shuffle away without lifting your feet. Don’t run or stride.
If you suspect a natural gas leak, call the emergency number listed on your gas company’s website. (For Southern Connecticut Gas, call 800.513.8898; for Connecticut Natural Gas, call 866.924.5325).
Report an Outage
To report an outage, visit uinet.com or call 800.722.5584 (800.7.CALL.UI).
Report outages using the company’s new mobile app, available from the Apple Store and Google Play.
Report outages via UI’s mobile alerts system: text “OUT” to 839-884 (TEXT-UI). Registration is required.
Additional storm readiness and safety information
Visit UI online at uinet.com.
Find UI on facebook.com/unitedilluminating .
Storm relief resources can be found by calling Connecticut’s InfoLine at 2-1-1, or by visiting 211ct.org .
Media Contact:
Angela Baccaro