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

BERLIN, Conn. – Hundreds of Eversource line and tree crews are working to restore power following the powerful rain and windstorm that hit Connecticut overnight causing widespread damage to the electric system and 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 fierce storm. Lineworkers from the energy company’s Massachusetts team are arriving this afternoon to assist with restoration.  As of 1:30 p.m., crews have restored power to more than 80,000 customers since the storm began. Approximately 70,000 Eversource customers in Connecticut remain without power as a result of the severe storm.

“We know the timing of this storm couldn’t have been worse as people are trying to prepare for the Christmas holiday,” said President of Eversource Connecticut Steve Sullivan. “The damaging winds and heavy rains with this storm brought down trees and tree limbs onto overhead lines and equipment causing 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 time. Our employees – many of whom have sacrificed their holiday time off – are committed to working around-the-clock until all of our customers affected by this storm have their power back.”

The damage to the electric system was primarily caused by the fierce winds accompanying the storm that whipped through the region, bringing trees and branches down onto power lines. Eversource reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires, report them immediately to 9-1-1 and to be cautious when doing their own storm clean up – be careful moving or cutting tree limbs and 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.

The energy company encourages customers to report any outage online at www.eversource.com, 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 2021 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 1.27 million customers in 149 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 249,000 customers in 74 communities, and supplies water to approximately 207,000 customers in 56 communities across Connecticut. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,200 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, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Tricia Modifica
(860) 665-5670
tricia.modifica@eversource.com

Mitch Gross
(860) 665-5221
mitch.gross@eversource.com

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