Replacing aging infrastructure to enhance safety and long-term reliability for customers

BERLIN, Conn. (February 21, 2025) – To ensure the continued safe, reliable delivery of natural gas to its customers, Eversource is replacing more than 34,000 feet, or approximately six miles, of leak-prone cast iron and bare steel gas lines in Waterbury with newer, high-density plastic pipe – which is safer, more durable, and will last for decades. Since 2018, Eversource has replaced nearly 200 miles of aging gas main around the state.

“Cast iron and bare steel mains become brittle over time due to the freezing and thawing cycles we experience in Connecticut, which is why for the last several years replacing those leak-prone pipes has remained a top priority for us,” said Eversource Vice President of Gas Operations Michael Needham. “These vital improvements reduce carbon emissions, modernize the gas distribution system, and minimize repairs and any service interruptions. Not only do these critical investments result in strengthened reliability for our customers, but they also enhance public safety for our communities.”

This work falls under the state’s accelerated replacement program and supports long-term reliability for a fuel source that thousands of people depend on, especially in the winter. These substantial investments are a critical component and significant driver of the company’s proposed rate change application, which was filed late last year due to Connecticut regulators requiring a rate review of Eversource’s natural gas operations. Stable, predictable, and steady investments like this are necessary to ensure all customers have safe and reliable natural gas service. The proposed rate adjustment allows the energy company to recover the cost of past investments and continue making future investments that are needed to replace aging components of the natural gas system, maintain public safety, and improve reliability.

Waterbury upgrade projects are underway with construction crews working between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and occasionally on Saturday. Work will be done along Addison, Baldwin, Chauncey, Cooke, E. Liberty, Francis, Galivan, Glen, Hull, Irving, Keefe, Laval, Lounsbury, Luke, Madison, Merry, Norman, N. Main, Piedmont, Pine, Platt, River, Rye, Seymour, S. Main, Sterling, Stone, Tudor, Vail, Warren, Washington, W. Main, and Wilson streets; Baldwin, Clifton, Douglas, Easton, Farmington, Highland, Hillview, McDonald, Sylvan, and Washington avenues; Joycroft, Park, and Terrell roads; Cardinal Lane, Highland Drive, Matson Court, and Woodlawn Terrace. As part of the projects, more than 600 customers’ gas service lines will be replaced and a majority of those homes and businesses with inside gas meters will be moved outside.

Eversource continues to communicate and work closely with community leaders and customers where the projects are being done to minimize potential impacts to traffic and coordinate with other roadwork happening in the community. Customers may experience a short disruption to their natural gas service starting in April when the new line is being activated, and they will be notified in advance by letter, phone or an in-person visit. Weather permitting, this gas line improvement work is expected to be completed between May and August with final road restoration completed sometime after that.