Work scheduled along more than 2,500 miles of electric distribution lines throughout the Granite State this year

MANCHESTER, N.H. (March 30, 2022) – 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 $37 million in tree management across New Hampshire as part of a continuing goal to balance the need for electric reliability with the natural beauty that communities value.

“New Hampshire’s 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 Bob Allen. “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.” 

Comprehensively planned in close coordination with communities and the state, each year Eversource trims or removes trees near approximately one-quarter of its more than 12,000 miles of overhead power lines around the state. This year, work is scheduled to be done along more than 2,500 miles of lines with some of the most extensive work being done in these communities:

• Derry: 140 miles
• Grantham: 105 miles
• Pittsfield: 80 miles
• Hinsdale: 60 miles
• Brentwood: 50 miles

“Trees are a cherished part of the cultural and environmental fabric of our state but can also pose significant public safety and electric reliability risks as the health of our roadside forest suffers,” said Town of Hollis Department of Public Works Director Joan Cudworth. “Addressing the threats posed by hazardous trees requires a coordinated effort, and we’re grateful for Eversource’s proactive partnership to address local concerns as they arise.”

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.

“New Hampshire is annually one of the most forested states in the country and nurturing the health of all those trees is a massive undertaking,” said President of the New Hampshire Arborists Association Lisa Mitrano. “Eversource’s continued commitment to communication, collaboration and education with municipalities, schools, property owners and other stakeholders is an integral resource for the public and our state as we all work together to improve the health of our trees.”

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

Photo Caption: Bob Allen discusses threats like infestation and drought-induced stress that negatively impact the health of New Hampshire’s trees.

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