Central Maine Power, a subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc. (NYSE: AGR), is performing tree-trimming work in about 30 communities in southern and coastal Maine. The work along utility lines is part of CMP's $20 million annual vegetation management program to maintain reliability of its transmission and distribution lines.

"We maintain nearly 25,000 miles of roadside distribution lines on a five-year cycle of vegetation clearing, inspection, and repair," said CMP Spokesperson Gail Rice. "Trees and limbs that come in contact with lines are the most frequent cause of blinking clocks and power outages, so customers should see better reliability as the crews trim along the roadsides in their towns."

CMP's arborists and contractors are working in Bath, Biddeford, Bridgton, Bristol, Bucksport, Burnham, Casco, Cushing, Eliot, Ellsworth, Falmouth, Frankfort, Friendship, Gray, Harrison, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Naples, New Gloucester, Orland, Portland, Searsport, Stockton Springs, Topsham, Union, Verona, Waldoboro, Warren, Whitefield, and York.

CMP urges motorists to use caution when they encounter tree crews working alongside Maine roads.

CMP contracts with arborists who are required to follow practices established by the International Society of Arboriculture. These include consideration for the health, shape, strength, growth rate, and appearance of trees before and after pruning. CMP notifies customers about its vegetation management activities every year with inserts in its bills.

Customers can sign up to receive a notice when tree trimming is happening in their area. For more information, call CMP Customer Service at 1-800-750-4000.

Additional information about CMP's tree care program, along with tips for tree planting and care can be found on CMP's Web site at http://www.cmpco.com — click on "Usage and Safety," then "Tree Care."

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a diversified energy and utility company with more than $30 billion in assets and operations in 25 states. The company operates regulated utilities and electricity generation through two primary lines of business. Avangrid Networks includes eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving 3.1 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables operates 6.3 gigawatts of electricity capacity, primarily through wind power, in states across the United States. AVANGRID employs 7,000 people. The company was formed by a merger between Iberdrola USA and UIL Holdings Corporation in 2015. IBERDROLA S.A. (Madrid: IBE), a worldwide leader in the energy industry, owns 81.5 percent of AVANGRID. For more information, visit avangrid.com.