They said they would start repairs when the snow melted and it becomes less dangerous to send out repair workers.

In 2008, a repair worker was injured during a "pneumatic" incident, involving a quantity of alpha emitter release.

Under the existing contract, most porters and janitors earn $34,350 a year, while repair workers earn $37,840.

According to out-of-state repair workers, that awareness has also made Entergy's customers in this region some of the most grateful they have encountered.

"A food port with signal lights for repair workers to see?"

Bright white-and-red tape marked downed wires to make them easier for repair workers to spot.

Some analysts speculate that Year 2000 repair workers may have created vulnerabilities that can be exploited next year.

About 300 pothole repair workers will have their work schedules reduced to nine months of the year.

Chechnya agreed to protect Russian repair workers and to guard the section of pipeline that crosses its territory.

Mr. Schwartz said repair workers had been hindered by underground obstacles nearly as old as the water main itself.