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Eversource Crews Responding after Pre-Christmas Rain and Windstorm

Dec 18, 2023

Storm storm restoration

Energy company reminds customers to stay clear of downed power lines and report outages

BERLIN, Conn. (Dec. 18, 2023) – Hundreds of Eversource line and tree crews are working to restore power following the powerful rain and windstorm that hit Connecticut overnight and this morning causing widespread damage to the electric system and tens of thousands of power outages. Crews are working around-the-clock shifts to address emergency situations, clear blocked roads, assess damage and restore power to customers impacted by the storm. Eversource system operators were able to restore power to 42,000 customers within minutes of their outage by rerouting power.  In total, as of approximately 12:00 p.m., power has been restored to more than 82,000 customers since the storm began. Approximately 76,000 Eversource customers in Connecticut remained without power as a result of the severe storm. 

“We know the timing of this storm is terrible as people are trying to enjoy time off or prepare for the Christmas holiday,” said President of Eversource Connecticut Steve Sullivan. “The fierce winds and heavy rains brought down trees and limbs, causing significant damage to the electric system and widespread power outages in most of the 149 towns we serve. We have hundreds of crews on the ground working, but with outages being so widespread it will take some time, especially as we continue to take on damage and outages throughout the day. Even after the storm, we’ll continue to see new outages because of the weakened state of trees and the saturated ground. Our employees are committed to working around-the-clock until all of our customers affected by this storm have their power back.”

Old Mountain Road, Farmington, CT

Eversource has switched its Emergency Response Plan from a level 5 to a level 4, indicating more than 125 thousand power outages are possible, which could mean a three-day restoration. Hundreds of crews will continue working non-stop to restore power when it’s safe to do so. Lineworkers can’t go up in bucket trucks in winds over 40 mph, so in many circumstances crews have to wait for winds to subside before they can make necessary repairs.  

Eversource reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires, keep pets away as well and report them immediately to 9-1-1. In addition, customers should be cautious when doing their own storm clean up – when moving or cutting tree limbs, look for any wires that may be entangled in debris. Additionally, customers who are without power and using a generator are reminded to be sure the generator is located well away from their home or business and that the transfer switch is working properly. 

Customers are also encouraged to report any outage online, or by calling 800-286-2000. Customers who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.
Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2023 and recognized as one of America’s Most JUST Companies. Celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity to 1.28 million customers in 149 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 251,000 customers in 74 communities, and supplies water to approximately 217,000 customers in 59 communities across Connecticut. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,900 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally-recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

Tricia Modifica
(860) 665-5670

Jamie Ratliff
(860) 665-6056