Customers are encouraged to prepare for potential outages due to extreme cold Saturday and impending snowstorm Sunday

ORANGE, Conn. - January 23, 2026 - In advance of severe weather expected this weekend (January 24-25), United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc., is prepared and fully staffed to respond in the event of power outages. Both the extreme cold and the forecasted snowstorm present risks for outages, which is why the company is bringing in weekend crew contingencies and encouraging customers to prepare in advance of the storm. Additionally, UI is reminding customers of available strategies to manage usage and costs during cold snaps.

"As we always are, no matter what nature has in store for us this weekend, UI is ready to respond as quickly and safely as possible on behalf of our customers," said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of UI. "We encourage customers to consider implementing some of the resources provided on our website and take advantage of the opportunity to prepare today in the event of power outages on Sunday or Monday."

While UI is not expecting significant impacts to its distribution system due to the forecasted dry consistency of the snow, low winds, and little to no anticipated ice, the forecasted speed of snowfall on mid-day Sunday of one to two inches per hour creates travel hazards that could impact power for limited sections of the company's service area (e.g., through car crashes impacting utility poles). Thus, the company plans to enhance its operations with additional line crews, substation crews, vegetation management crews, and logistics staff through the weekend.

To help customers prepare for potential power outages, including during winter weather, UI has compiled a storm checklist available at Storm Checklist - UI. This checklist includes tips and resources for customers to take in advance of potential outages, such as:

• Charge your cell phone, and make sure your flashlights and battery-powered radios are charged and easy to find;
• Stock up on canned and dried foods that require no refrigeration and little or no cooking. Be sure you have an old-fashioned, manual can opener on hand;
• Put extra blankets and your warmest clothes where you can find them easily. Layering clothing is a great way to stay warm; and
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. With below-freezing temperatures, you can store foods in a shed or garage. Keep frozen foods outside in wooden or metal containers -- but be sure to place containers out of direct sunlight.

UI is also reminding customers of tips, tricks, and resources to manage usage and consequent costs during cold snaps. While a complete list can be found on UI's website at Energy Saving Tips - UI.