Work scheduled across community will help reduce power outages

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 20, 2023) – As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce tree-related power outages across the commonwealth, Eversource is addressing trees that threaten electric reliability in several communities this year. In West Springfield, the energy company will have trimmed or removed trees along 62 miles of city roads by the end of 2023.

“Our vegetation management programs are designed to balance and preserve the many important benefits and natural beauty that trees provide with the need for safe and reliable power,” said Eversource Vegetation Management Manager Christopher Gonzalez. “Trees continue to be the primary cause of power outages, especially during a storm, so by working strategically and proactively, our tree-trimming activities reduce both the number and duration of outages for customers. Tree trimming is the most effective means of improving reliability for customers, and our tree work also benefits the communities we serve by removing dead or diseased trees that not only threaten the lines and rights-of-way but also public roads.”

Eversource tree crews work to protect the electric system and improve public safety on Morton Street in West Springfield

“I’ve been working closely with Eversource for over a decade,” said West Springfield Tree Warden Marcus Catlett. “Our partnership is focused on maintaining a healthy urban forest while making sure our residents have safe, reliable power. They’ve always been very professional and responsive, removing dying, decaying, hazardous town trees we identify as a threat to power lines, infrastructure and in some cases even posing a public safety concern. It’s a lot of work and we have a limited number of crews. So, we value our partnership with Eversource.”

Roads where work is being done include Bernie Ave., Amostown Rd., Piper Rd., Rogers Ave., Westfield St., Riverdale St., Prospect Ave, Kings Hwy., Morton St., Elm St. and Memorial Ave.

The energy company is closely coordinating its plan with community leaders and communicating with property owners to explain details of the work and their option to keep the wood cut on their property. As a reminder, all contractors carry proper identification, will never ask to enter a private residence, and there is no cost to the property owner for this work.

In addition, the energy company reminds customers that homeowners are responsible for tree maintenance on their own property, including keeping branches away from the lower-voltage service wires connecting their homes and businesses to the main utility lines on the street. Eversource strongly recommends contacting a professional tree service to perform this work. For details on the company’s comprehensive vegetation management program and guidance about trees that can be safely planted near power lines, please visit the vegetation management page of Eversource’s website.

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 and natural gas and supplies water to 1.8 million customers throughout Massachusetts, including approximately 1.47 million electric customers in 140 communities, 639,000 gas customers in 117 communities, and 11,500 water customers in five communities. 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, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.