Energy company reminds customers to stay clear of downed power lines and report outages

MANCHESTER, N.H. (December 18, 2023) – Hundreds of Eversource line and tree crews are working to restore power following the powerful rain and windstorm that hit New Hampshire overnight and this morning causing widespread tree damage to the electric system and tens of 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 storm. Eversource system operators were able to restore power to approximately 21,375 customers within minutes of their outage by rerouting power. In total, as of 1:30 p.m., power has been restored to more than 51,100 customers since the storm began. Just under 19,000 Eversource customers in New Hampshire currently remain without power as a result of the severe storm.

“We know the timing of this storm is terrible as people are trying to enjoy time off or prepare for the Christmas holiday,” said Eversource New Hampshire President of Electric Operations Doug Foley. “The fierce winds and heavy rains brought down trees and limbs that caused significant damage to the electric system and widespread power outages in communities across every region of the Granite State. We have hundreds of crews on the ground working as we’ve continued to take on damage and outages throughout the day with the weakened state of trees and heavily saturated ground following other recent storms making downed trees and limbs more likely. Our employees are committed to working around-the-clock until all of our customers affected by this storm have their power back.”

Photo: Eversource crews working to repair damage and restore power to customers in Madison earlier today.

In addition to significant damage to the electric system, the cumulative effects of the highly saturated ground from recent storms combined with the additional heavy rain and strong winds today caused more than 70 blocked roads across the state, and Eversource has worked with public safety officials to clear nearly 30 of those while also responding to almost 300 fire and police calls.

Eversource reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires, keep pets away as well and report them immediately to 9–1–1. In addition, customers should be cautious when doing their own storm clean up – when moving or cutting tree limbs, 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.

Customers are also encouraged to report any outage online, 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 535,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns, and also supplies water to approximately 10,300 homes and businesses in eight communities. Eversource is proud to be recognized as the #1 contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. 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 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