Five More Days: Newport Gas Outage Drags On

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Newport residents faced another night in the cold as the city's widespread gas outage reached the end of its fourth day. National Grid continues the round-the-clock shutoff effort, while the majority of Middletown customers have had full service restored. As of Thursday evening, the company projects that service will be fully restored within five to six days.

"I plead for your continued patience," Gov. Gina Raimondo said during Thursday evening's press conference. "Please continue to have a plan for at least five to six days ahead."

According to National Grid Senior Vice President Terry Soblewski, 301 of the 340 homes affected in Middletown have had their gas relit. In Newport, approximately 6,300 of 6,400 customers had their service shut off as of midday Thursday. Once all customers have had service shut off and pressure has been restored to the system, efforts will begin to relight Newport houses.

Customers are encouraged to leave lights on outside their homes once the sun goes down to indicate to workers that someone is home to answer the door. In addition, National Grid is asking customers to update their online profiles to streamline efforts to get in contact.

Throughout the outage, Gov. Raimondo has stressed the need to prioritize safety.

"We're hearing a lot about people who decide to tough it out and are finding creative ways to heat their homes," Raimondo said. "It's just not safe."

Child care continues to be an issue with schools closed due to a lack of heat. Anyone who receives part-time child care through the Rhode Island Department of Human Service's CCAP program is now eligible for full-time care at no additional cost. Additionally, the Newport Boys and Girls Club is providing free child care services during the day at the Florence Gray Center.

Starting Friday, child care for kids in kindergarten through fourth grade will be available through the East Bay Community Action Program at the Hampton Inn in Middletown.

READ MORE: Gas Outage: Where Can I Eat In Newport?

Comments on Patch Newport's Facebook page show the wide range of issues residents are facing, from inability to work to burst pipe concerns to increased electric usage for replacement heating sources.

"I was lucky enough not to be impacted by the gas at home but my job has been closed for 4 days!" wrote Melody Mulcahey. "As a bartender we rely on tips, and that really cant be made up...praying they get everyone up and running again soon."

On Wednesday, Gov. Gina Raimondo took executive action to extend unemployment benefits to displaced Newport workers immediately, bypassing the state's usual week-long waiting period.

"We have several space heaters going. With the already elec[tric] rate hike being costly, I’m kind of dreading my next electric bill," Jessica Grassi commented.

National Grid has committed to reimbursing customers for expenses incurred during the outage. These include lodging costs, meal costs, and temporary heater costs of up to $250 per household. Customers must save all receipts associated with these costs so they can be submitted during the claims process.

Visa and Stop and Shop gift cards are also available from National Grid. According to Kievra, 2,000 cards worth $45,000 have been distributed to customers so far. Customers can pick up gift cards at Gurney's Resort or Gaudet School.

Kievra said that, as of midday Thursday, 460 hotel rooms have been utilized in the area.

Throughout the outage, Gov. Raimondo, Newport Mayor Jamie Bova, and National Grid officials have thanked the community for their response. Many community businesses have stepped up to provide meals and shelter, while individual residents have opened their homes to neighbors and showed immense patience during a very difficult time.

"You're an amazing bunch, your resilience is incredible," Raimondo said to the people of Newport and Middletown Thursday night.

The governor then once again reminded residents not currently affected by the outage to stay in their homes and not proactively drain their pipes.

"If you have heat now, you won't lose it," Raimondo said. "You're not a part of the problematic system, so please stay in your homes."

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