National Grid, Union, Reach Agreement

The union contract has been under negotiations.

After weeks of negotiations, National Grid and members of the UWUA Local 369 union have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, the union announced yesterday. The new contract will go up for a vote on May 20. "National Grid entered into negotiations demanding drastic increases in healthcare costs and failing to address critical staffing needs, which are so crucial to public safety and adequate storm response," the union said in a release. "Through these ongoing negotiations and with the assistance of a federal mediator, we believe we have reached an agreement that provides important protections for our hardworking men and women and the communities that we serve." The union authorized a vote to strike at the end of April and the …

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National Grid Unions Vote to Authorize Strike

Members of the Brotherhood of Utility Workers and Local 369 have voted to authorize a strike against National Grid.

National Grid utility workers unions voted Friday to authorize a strike due to several issues involving personnel payroll and storm response, according to an article on BostonHerald.com  Comprised of six local unions, the Brotherhood of Utility Workers and Local 369 have taken the vote as union representatives are in the middle of negotiations to replace the contract that expires May 11.  “The mistakes and mismanagement at this company are out of control," said Dan Hurley president of the Brotherhood of Utility Workers Council and Local 369. “The continuous failures of National Grid are a direct slap in the face to ratepayers and taxpayers throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This is clearly a company in crisis.” The utility workers…

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National Grid Preparing for Potential Outages

National Grid has secured more than 230 contractor line crews to assist company crews in restoring power, which could be interrupted as a result of the storm.

National Grid Urges Customer Caution Over Recent Phone Scam

Customers with questions can call National Grid at 1-800-322-3223.

National Grid is warning its customers of a new, nationwide utility bill scam that has hit many of its customers. According to a release provided by National Grid, the alleged scammers demand payment through a pre-paid credit card or threaten to immediately cut off service, or occasionally say that the customer has a faulty electrical meter that needs to be replaced. While the statement provided by the company says that National Grid representives will occasionally call customers with past due balances to offer payment options, they will never demand immediate payment, and that customers are not responsible for electrical meter costs. Customers with questions can call National Grid at 1-800-322-3223. More information on other ongoing …

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National Grid Warns of Payment Scam

The electric company is warning people to avoid a new payment scam via phones.

National Grid is warning its customers of a new, nationwide utility bill scam. In the past several days, customers have received telephone calls from individuals claiming to work for National Grid.  These scammers demand payment on past due balances for electric accounts and threaten customers that their service will immediately be shut-off for non-payment.  In some cases the caller also tells the customer that they may have a faulty meter that is dangerous and in need of replacing for a substantial fee.  Callers are being directed to make an immediate, over-the-phone payment in order to keep their power on. National Grid never seeks payment of any type over the telephone and urges customers who have received these calls to call the …

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Blizzard Response: What Grade Would You Give National Grid?

On a scale from A-F, what grade would you give National Grid?

Friday's blizzard took power across much of Rhode Island, leaving customers in the dark and cold for days.  While Johnston didn't experience the widespread, long-term outages, there were pockets of the town that went dark. National Grid managed to restore a majority of Johnston residents' power by Sunday afternoon.  We want to know what you thought about the response and restoration efforts.  On an A - F scale, what grade would you give National Grid through this winter storm?  What did you think about the response?  Tell us in the comment section below! 

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Power Restored to Most of Johnston

Just a handful of areas remain in the dark in Johnston, and all should have electricity this afternoon.

Compared to other communities in the state, Johnston got off easy. Power outages were not widespread, and only a couple dozen are left in the dark. The blizzard of 2013 dumped about 2 feet of snow across most of the town, but the power largely stayed on throughout the weekend, according to National Grid's Power Outage Map. Today, only a few pockets of outages remain, most along Hartford Avenue and Killingly Street. The electric company estimates full power in the town by around lunchtime today. Other towns in the state were not so lucky. Some communities, especially on the East Bay and the South coast, experienced widespread outages and continue to struggle without heat and — in homes with wells — running water. National Grid expects full…

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Got Power? Let Us Know

Write in the comments section if your power has been restored recently or if you are still without power.

The number of Johnston residents without power has dropped from the thousands to hundreds this morning. According to the National Grid outage page, there are reportedly fewer than 400 customers without power as of 11 a.m. Saturday. There are no estimates as to when the power will be restored to those homes on the outage page. So, let us know. Has your power been restored recently? Are you still without power? Let us know and tell us where you are located.

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Thousands Without Power as High Winds Continue

A wind warning is in effect through the day.

Strong winds have knocked down trees and power lines in the area, putting thousands of National Grid customers in the dark as they woke up this morning. And things won't die down until later today. The powerful winds will continue through the morning, according to the National Weather Service, and some gusts could approach hurricane-force speeds. The National Weather Service's High Wind Warning has been extended to 6 p.m. as winds averaging 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 65 mph are expected through the day. More than 2,000 in the Greenville section between Johnston and Smithfield are without power this morning and more than 10,000 were in the dark throughout the state as of 10 a.m., according to the National Grid Power Outage Map. Help us …

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Slash Your Winter Utility Bills

A few simple changes could save you hundreds of dollars on your heating and energy bills annually.

Winter is here and along with it, the traditional drop in temperatures and rising cost of utilities.  If saving money is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, here are some tips from National Grid to cut your energy costs and increase efficiency in your Barrington home in 2013. Tune up for efficiency Turn down for savings Insulate Seal air leaks

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