November 1, 2011 – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno today called on Western Massachusetts Electric Company’s (WMECo’s) senior management to move quicker with their power restoration efforts within the City of Springfield. Mayor Sarno has been in constant contact with WMECo officials, including WMECo President and Chief Operating Officer Peter J. Clarke, as recent as a couple hours ago.
“The resources that have been devoted to the City of Springfield, the largest community affected, have not been sufficient and therefore the job is not getting done,” stated Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “I am becoming increasingly frustrated by WMECo’s response. Utility companies are never hesitant to have rate increases, however, residents need services and it’s now time for them to perform,” added Mayor Sarno.
Additionally, Mayor Sarno has directed City Solicitor Edward Pikula to draft correspondence to the Attorney General’s Office to ask for a review of WMECo’s emergency response procedures when responding to catastrophic power outages.
“I thank the residents of Springfield for their ongoing patience and resiliency and assure them that I will not tolerate this type of response,” added Mayor Sarno.