State Fines National Grid Millions for Failed Storm Responses

National Grid was fined nearly $19 million, the highest fine levied against utilities in Massachusetts for its response to two storms in 2011.

The state on Tuesday ordered a total of $24.8 million in penalties to utility companies for their response to storms in 2011, including $19 million for National Grid, the company that serves Hamilton and Wenham. Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan joined Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Chairman Ann Berwick and DPU commissioners on Tuesday to announce the findings of the DPU’s investigation into responses to Tropical Storm Irene and the October 2011 snowstorm. Provided the penalties hold up, customers should see a reduction in their bill, though it is unclear how much, officials said.  National Grid faces the steepest penalty, at $18.725 million. NSTAR has been ordered to pay $4.075 million, while the…

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Was Sandy as Bad as Irene?

For much of the past week, Hurricane Sandy dominated the region's media coverage. Did it feel worse or not quite as bad as last year's storm?

Much of the Northeastern United States slowed down on Monday to watch Hurricane Sandy make its way up the coast toward its eventual landfall on New England. Throughout the day, residents of Hamilton and Wenham endured high winds, downed trees and wires and power outages. The storm came a year after Hurricane Irene, which left many residents in Hamilton and Wenham without power. So which storm do you think was worse – Sandy or Irene? Share your thoughts in the comment box below!

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National Grid Says It Is Ready for Tuesday Night Storm

National Grid faced fierce criticism for its response to Hurricane Irene and an October snowstorm last year but said on Tuesday it is ready for heavy winds and rain on Tuesday night and Wednesday.

National Grid officials said on Tuesday that they are ready for the expected gusty winds and heavy rain that is forecasted to move into the area on Tuesday night. The utility company has come under fire for previous storm responses, including during a snowstorm last fall.  In July, state Attorney General Martha Coakley proposed fining the company a record $16 million for what she said was an inadequate response to the October storm and also Hurricane Irene last August. The National Weather Sevice has issued a wind advisory for Hamilton and Wenham that runs from 4 p.m. on Tuesday through 6 a.m. on Wednesday. “As a result, National Grid crews and support staff have been put on alert and are prepared to respond in the event of service …

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Northeast Animal Shelter Saving Dogs in Path of Isaac

As Isaac turns into a hurricane threatening the Gulf Coast, Salem's Northeast Animal Shelter is doing its best to help.

As Isaac churns in the Gulf, nearly a hurricane, the Northeast Animal Shelter is doing its part to help rescue dogs in the path of the storm. "C Dog Run has called us pleading for us to take in 28 of their dogs ahead of the evacuation that has been mandated for their town (Crestview/DeFuniak Springs) in Florida due to Hurricane Isaac," Northeast Animal Shelter Development Director Laurie McCannon wrote to Patch in a press release on Tuesday. Electricity is expected to go out on Wednesday in that area, according to McCannon.  McCannon said many of the dogs are in foster homes and those caring for the dogs refuse to leave their dogs behind. Northeast Animal Shelter employees have surveyed their space and contacted a transport company — Puppy…

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Patch Facts

Five Things to Know Today in Hamilton and Wenham: Aug. 24

An essential get-me-going daily morning column from Hamilton-Wenham Patch.

Today is Friday, Aug. 24. Here are five things you need to know: 1. Beauty: The weather forecast is calling for another beautiful day on Friday, with sunny skies and temperatures into the 80s. This is certainly a great routine we’ve gotten into with the weather. 2. Brad Hill: State Rep. Brad Hill, R-Ipswich, represents both towns in the House of Representatives. He plans office hours on Friday to hear from residents about just about anything. Hill will be at Hamilton Town Hall from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and at Wenham Town Hall from 10:45-11:45 a.m. 3. Yard Sales: Patch is a great place to both find local yard sales and let everyone know about the yard sale you are having. Check Patch later on Friday for a roundup of the yard sales planned in the…

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AG Seeks $16 Million Fine Against National Grid for Irene, October Snowstorm Response

The fine is proposed for items including a failure to effectively communicate with customers and officials and to respond during emergency events. National Grid strongly disagrees with the conclusions drawn by the AG.

The state Attorney General's Office on Thursday announced it is seeking fines against the utility National Grid. The utility, meanwhile, strongly disagrees with the conclusions drawn by the AG and will file a response with the Department of Public Utilities. After an investigation by her office determined that utility giant National Grid failed to adequately prepare, respond, and communicate during Tropical Storm Irene and the October 2011 snowstorm, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office is seeking a $16 million fine against the company – the largest penalty ever recommended against an utility in Massachusetts. National Grid provides electric service in Hamilton and Wenham. The AG’s Office made the recommendation in a brief filed …

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The Top Stories of 2011 on Hamilton-Wenham Patch

Looking back at 2011 in Hamilton and Wenham, here's a look at the most popular stories on Hamilton-Wenham Patch.

The most popular stories of 2011 on Hamilton-Wenham Patch included coverage of the new trash and recycling program in Hamilton, the school and town budget debate in the spring, the snow that accumulated on school roofs and a top ranking of the school district. 1. UPDATED: Police Search for Two Teen Runaways Who Took Cab from Wenham Dec. 4  The pair of runaway teenagers who were gone for two days before turning themselves in near “Occupy Newark” in New Jersey captivated local residents. 2. Hamilton Leaders Approve Biweekly Trash Pickup, Weekly Townwide Recycling and Organics Oct. 20 The Hamilton Board of Selectmen voted to overhaul the town’s trash collection, by limiting collection to one barrel every other week along with weekly recycling…

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Patch Facts

Five Things You Need to Know Today: Sept. 5

An essential get-me-going daily morning column from Hamilton-Wenham Patch.

Today is Monday, Sept. 5. Here are five things you need to know: 1. Weather: Labor Day weekend will wrap on Monday with some decent weather – a mix of clouds and sun with temperatures near 80. 2. Labor Day: Monday is Labor Day, celebrated each year on the first Monday of September to honor workers. It is a federal holiday so government offices and schools are closed, there is no mail delivery and trash pickup is delayed by a day. 3. Storm Debris: Monday is the final day for Wenham residents to drop off any storm debris at one of the two spots in town where it is being collected by the Department of Public Works. The drop off spots are West Wenham playground on Topsfield Road and behind Iron Rail off Grapevine Road. 4. Yard Sale: Normally, …

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Week in Review

Last Week Included a Tropical Storm and Top 10

Last week in local news included Tropical Storm Irene and a Top 12 school district ranking from Boston magazine.

After Hurricane Irene blew through on Sunday, the other top stories of the past week in Hamilton and Wenham included a top 10 ranking for the school district from Boston magazine and an ongoing discussion about whether both towns should hold Town Meeting on the same day. 1. Hurricane Irene When Hurricane Irene made it to the two towns, it was Tropical Storm Irene. The storm’s impact was limited mostly to some gusty winds and heavy rain. Several thousand electric customers lost power – some for longer than a day – and a home in Wenham was struck by a falling tree branch. Some roads were blocked for a time 2. Regional School District Ranked No. 9 by Boston Magazine It was a source of pride last year when Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School …

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