O&R Upgrades to Improve Whispering Hills Electric Service

PEARL RIVER, NY April 14, 2008 — Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. is embarking on a major project designed to dramatically improve electric service reliability at Whispering Hills in Chester now and to provide for greater electrical demand in the future.

O&R plans to upgrade the electric system that serves nearly 700 townhouses in the Whispering Hills community by investing $250,000 to install 76 new transformers and eight switch gear installations in the community. The work will begin on or about April 16 (weather permitting) and is expected to be completed by the end of June. The project will require limited duration, periodic scheduled power outages during this time.

The electric system that serves the community was built with the community 25 years ago. Since then, demands on the community's electric system have changed greatly. The load on that aging system has grown over 20 percent, and O&R has determined that the time has come to convert the electric system's voltage to make it more reliable and more robust for the future.

State-of-the-art technology, new hardware and leading-edge design criteria all are part of the new system specifications. The engineering and permitting have all been completed. O&R has drawn up plans to pre-stage construction materials to reduce the project's duration. The crews are ready.

O&R estimates that to achieve this work safely and securely on this ambitious schedule, it will have to schedule electric service interruptions periodically during daylight hours. The project has been divided into fourteen segments. Each segment is made up of a small group of townhouses. Only one segment will be impacted by a power outage on a given day. Most of those interruptions will last between two and three hours. Other more complex tasks may require eight to ten hours. Those service interruptions will be planned to accommodate commuter and school schedules wherever possible.

Right now, the field construction work is scheduled to start on or about Wednesday, April 16, 2008 weather permitting. O&R expects to complete its work by the end of June. The outage-related work will take place between the hours of 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday, except on holidays. In the event that a longer outage is necessary, power will be restored no later than 5:00 PM. No road openings are anticipated as a result of this work unless required by an emergency situation.

To successfully complete this project as quickly as possible, O&R will need your help, cooperation and understanding. Please review the "Things to consider" tips listed below.

Eugene Wetzel, president of the Board of Directors of the Whispering Hills Homeowners Association, said, "Representatives of Orange and Rockland met with the Board of Directors to go over the details of this project. The Homeowners Association has agreed to assist with keeping you and your neighbors aware of O&R's schedule, daily work locations and most importantly when to expect an outage."

Wetzel added, "If you have any questions regarding the project schedule, please contact Joan in the business office at 845-469-4018. Joan will be in contact with the O&R project manager on a daily basis."

Orange and Rockland will use an automated telephone messaging system to communicate its progress. A "hotline" number also has been established at: 1-866-532-2545. The "hotline" will have a recorded message providing the details of the current week's scheduled outages by location. In addition, e-mail inquiries related to this project can be submitted to Orange and Rockland through its website at www.oru.com/WhisperingHills.

Things to consider when an electric outage is scheduled for your area

In order to minimize the inconvenience of a power outage during this important project, please take the time to consider the following tips:

• Make sure you have a hard-wired or fully-charged cell phone. If the base station of your cordless phone plugs into an electric outlet, your phone will be unusable during a power outage.
• Internet-based telephone service may not be available during the outage periods.
• Don't get locked in or out. Learn how to manually open and close any garage door, keyless security door or gate. Alarms, locks and door openers that rely on electricity will not function during an outage.
• If you work from home, fully charge your laptop and cell phone. If you have a portable computer with a working Internet connection, and/or a cell phone, you'll have additional ways of communicating and getting information during the outage.
• Set refrigerator and freezer controls to coldest settings prior to the scheduled power outage. As a result, the food will be colder and last longer. Remember to keep the doors shut during the outage and to reset the controls when power is restored.
• Plan how you will feed your family without electricity. It may be difficult to prepare meals at home during the day when crews are working on your block. If you have an outdoor gas grill, make sure you have a sufficient fuel supply. Remember, the microwave oven may not be available while work is going on near your building.
• Flashlights - Keep these within easy reach of family members.
• Manual can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils can come in handy when the power is out.
• Most importantly, if you have a medical condition and rely on electric powered medical assist equipment, be sure to make arrangements with Orange and Rockland ahead of time. You can contact O&R Customer Service at 1-877-434-4100.
• Discuss these and other issues related to the planned outages that may impact your family, especially your school age children who may come home during a power outage.