Rep. Keating tells NStar to clean it up

YARMOUTH, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com/AP) -- Rep. Bill Keating, who represents some of the areas hardest hit by the blizzard of 2013, had stern words for NStar on Monday claiming the utility company is not doing a good job of relaying information to its customers.

Keating, a Bourne native, said that while communication among local officials is getting better with each storm, NStar's lack of communication with its customers is frustrating. He claimed the utility failed to share information about its timetable for power restoration, other than to say it would take several days.

"People are worried if their pipes are freezing. They would like to know if the service is estimated two or three days. That would help make a decision for them about sealing off the water," Keating said.

Residents at the shelter told Keating that they would have prepared differently had they known they were not going to be able to reenter their homes for days due to a lack of power or heat.

"They have to do a better job as they review," Keating said.

NStar spokesman Mike Durand said the utility has been getting generally positive comments on its communications, but it will take a look after the storm to review their procedures.

"The feedback we've been getting by and large from the communities is that the communications have been working quite well," he said. "We understand there is always room for improvement."

NStar was reporting more than 44,227 outages as of Monday evening. National Grid said about 14,700 of its customers were without power.

Cox Media Group