Mar 31, 2006 — Last month, a powerful windstorm plowed through New York state, knocking out electricity to more than 300,000 homes and businesses. National Grid customers in the Champlain Valley and the eastern Adirondacks struggled without power for days. With temperatures plunging to minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit, emergency shelters were opened in a half-dozen towns. National Grid officials have defended their response to the storm. But many local government leaders say the company was understaffed and under prepared. The state's Public Service Commission is investigating those complaints. At a hearing yesterday in Ticonderoga, residents complained that National Grid has allowed the North Country's electrical grid to fall into disrepair. Brian Mann was there and has our story.