BOSTON and SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (March 30, 2023) – When the power goes out during a storm, it’s most often caused by trees falling on power equipment – and with the changing climate driving more frequent severe weather, tree trimming and removal near overhead lines is imperative to help fortify the electric system. Eversource’s team of certified arborists works year-round developing and implementing its comprehensive, data-driven maintenance program to enhance system reliability for customers. This year, the energy company is investing $41 million in tree management across Massachusetts as part of a continuing goal to balance the need for electric reliability with the natural beauty that communities value.

“Massachusetts’ roadside forest is not only getting older, it continues to suffer the effects of a variety of environmental factors ranging from stronger storms and successive droughts to a growing list of insect infestations and diseases,” said Eversource Vegetation Management Manager Paul Sellers. “The list now includes beech leaf disease along with the familiar spongy moth and emerald ash borer that continue to take a toll on trees across the state, and there are no signs of the problem going away. That’s why our thoughtful program of identifying and removing weak and hazardous trees has never been more important. Tree trimming is one of the most cost-effective solutions to strengthening the electric grid, and we’re constantly working to improve day-to-day reliability for our customers as we continue to see fewer power outages where this work has been done.”

In addition to Eversource’s year-round vegetation management operation, the energy company will perform Resiliency Tree Work (RTW)—pruning and removing hazard trees that pose a threat to some of the most critical components of the electric system. Approximately $23 million of the total tree-trimming investment will be used for this specific RTW work throughout the state and Eversource crews closely coordinate all tree-trimming work with its municipal partners ahead of time.

“Eversource has been an integral partner in our effort to manage our hazardous trees throughout Town and their efforts and investment have proven to drastically reduce the number of power outages experienced by our residents,” said Norfolk Tree Warden Blair J. Crane. “The amount of work being done would not be possible without their resources and dedication to our community, and I am thankful that Eversource is very proactive with their vegetative management program and as severe weather events appear to become more frequent, I look forward to our continued partnership for years to come.”

“The expensive and complicated effort to mitigate storm related calamity by constantly removing hazard trees and vegetation is one instance that left undone, would impact Granville's infrastructure for months after a severe weather event and is an example of professional excellence that proves Eversource's commitment to superior customer service,” said Granville’s Tree Warden and Head of Public Works Doug Roberts. “Eversource has proven to be a true, honest and hardworking partner in making the rural lifestyle with all of the triumphs and tribulations that go with it, especially during severe weather, more manageable.”

 

Significant tree-trimming and RTW work is planned this year in Barnstable, Dover, Falmouth, Hopkinton, Marshfield, Medway, Norfolk, Plymouth, Sandwich, Wellfleet, and Woburn. An approximately $16 million investment in Western Massachusetts will allow crews to perform tree-trimming work along more than 700 miles of electric lines through Agawam, Ashfield, Conway, Lanesborough, Longmeadow, Springfield, Windsor, and West Springfield.

Eversource always notifies customers in advance if tree work is necessary on their property. In addition to all the work Eversource crews do to minimize the effects of trees on reliable electric service, the company reminds homeowners that they are responsible for tree maintenance on their own property. This includes keeping branches away from the lower-voltage service wires connecting their homes and businesses to the main utility lines on the street. To complement its comprehensive annual tree maintenance program, Eversource also advances educational partnerships with arborists, municipalities, students, and the public about planting the right tree in the right place.

“When preparing to proactively address vegetation issues along our roadways Eversource always does an excellent job communicating with our Tree Warden and community members in advance of the work,” said Newton City Forester Marc Welch. “This important work is vital to the health of our trees and the resiliency of the electric system, and we greatly appreciate the partnership.” 

For more information on Eversource’s comprehensive vegetation management program, including educational resources and guidance for property owners, please visit Eversource.com.

CONTACT:

Chris McKinnon

617-424-2108

Priscilla Ress

413-787-1055

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