In an effort to help restore power to Maine as quickly as possible, Gov. Paul LePage has issued a state of emergency order to allow crews to work extra hours.

In the proclamation, LePage outline that he is authorizing drivers of electrical line repair vehicles to operate additional hours, over the normal federal regulations governing how long they can work.

“With the number of Mainers without power reaching the same as those without power during the Ice Storm, we need to make sure power is restored as quickly as possible,” said LePage in a release. “I urge all Mainers to check on their neighbors and stay safe as they travel around the state.”

As of 2PM, Central Maine Power is reporting that over 390,000 Mainers are without power, including over 48,000 people in Kennebec County.

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