Energy company reminds customers to stay clear of downed power lines and report outages as additional damage, outages remain possible through tonight

MANCHESTER, N.H. (December 23, 2022) – Hundreds of Eversource line and tree crews are working to restore power as the powerful storm that is hitting New Hampshire today with high winds is 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. As of 2:00 p.m., the energy company has restored power to more than 106,000 Granite State customers since the storm began, with crews from states as far away as Texas, Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia – as well as Canada – supporting the effort. Approximately 41,000 Eversource customers in New Hampshire are currently without power as a result of the severe storm. Additional damage to the electric system and potential power outages remain possible until the strong winds fully exit the state.

Photo: Crews responding to damage on Bush Hill Rd. in Hudson this morning.

“We know the timing of this storm couldn’t have been worse as people are trying to prepare for the Christmas holiday,” said Eversource President of Electric Operations in New Hampshire Doug Foley. “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 211 communities we serve. We have hundreds of crews on the ground working but with outages being so widespread, as well as the potential for additional damage, 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 has been primarily caused by the fierce winds accompanying the storm that whipped through the region, bringing trees and branches down onto power lines, and additional damage remains possible with high winds in the forecast through the night. 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 Eversource.com, or by calling 800-662-7764. 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 is New Hampshire’s largest electric utility, serving nearly 532,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns, and also supplies water to approximately 10,200 homes and businesses in seven communities. Eversource is proud to be recognized as the #1 contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,500 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.

CONTACT:
William Hinkle
603-634-2228
william.hinkle@eversource.com