BUFFALO, N.Y. — As we get closer to winter, National Grid is making additional preparations to try to safeguard their power distribution system from blowing snow and freezing temperatures.
As we saw during the blizzard last December, several of National Grid's transformers froze as they became inundated with ice and snow.
That caused residents to lose power and heat at the height of the storm especially in some of the city's East Side neighborhoods.
National Grid previously said it would use so-called "blizzard kits" with gas powered torpedo heaters and tarps to help thaw out the transformers.
Now they're also in the process of installing covers with louvers, which provide storm protection with required air circulation.
Ken Kujawa, the Buffalo Regional Manager for National Grid, says "If we ever see another storm similar to what we had last December hit - the louvers should provide protection from snow blowing into the transformer bays. But again we'll still have the blizzard kits there and if we get a forecast then we'll make an assessment as to what measures we need to take in order to protect our stations."
Kujawa says those louvered covers were ordered and should be installed in the coming weeks.