Additional out-of-state crews arrived this morning as energy company continues to discover more damage caused by ice-covered trees

MANCHESTER, N.H. (March 25, 2024) – As additional crews arrived this morning from as far away as Michigan to support Eversource’s restoration effort following the early spring ice and snow storm that caused significant tree damage across New Hampshire, the energy company continued efforts to clear blocked roads, downed wires and other damage while making repairs to the electric system. Working around-the-clock since Saturday evening, Eversource crews have restored power to more than 111,000 customers statewide – including more than 36,000 in fewer than five minutes by remote system operators using distribution automation technology like smart switches. The energy company anticipates to substantially complete restoration for its customers by 11:30 p.m. tonight, with work on a handful of smaller one- and two-customer outages that require complex, time-intensive repairs continuing into Tuesday.

“This early spring storm brought some of the most significant ice damage to trees in New Hampshire that we’ve seen in several years, causing more than 180 blocked roads, more than 100 broken poles, and extensive damage to the electric system in multiple regions across the state,” said Eversource New Hampshire President of Electric Operations Doug Foley. “With temperatures remaining below freezing in many areas through this morning, the ice had not melted yet – requiring significant effort by our crews to cut and clear trees and other debris in order to access damage and make repairs. We also discovered even more damage through yesterday and this morning as our crews reached more areas of the system, with more small one- and two-customer outages than usual that require complex, more time-intensive repairs. We remain on pace to substantially complete restoration for our customers impacted by this storm by 11:30 p.m., and our dedicated employees will continue working tirelessly until all customers have power.”

After replacing three broken poles on Davison Rd. in Henniker, Eversource crews make final repairs to restore power to 686 customers. Replacing a broken pole is labor-intensive work that can take up to 12 hours to complete depending on the damage, and typically requires a digger truck and several lineworkers. Here on Davison Rd., crews discovered that a ledge truck was also required for the job. Since the storm started, Eversource crews have been working to replace more than 100 broken poles across the state.

The substantial icing beyond what was forecasted for this storm was the primary cause of tree damage that led to outages; for example, 1/4 inch of ice can add 250 pounds to a tree branch or power line. Of the approximately 14,000 remaining customers without power as of 1:30 p.m., some of the most significantly impacted communities include Weare, Hopkinton, New Boston, Henniker, Dunbarton, Webster, and Mont Vernon.

As clean-up work continues into Tuesday, Eversource crews will be restoring any remaining customer outages, making permanent repairs to the system, and conducting additional patrols – including aerially – of the system tomorrow. Eversource continues to remind customers to always stay clear of downed wires – including keeping pets away – 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.

Additional post-storm safety tips are available on the safety 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 2024 and recognized as a Five-Year Champion, appearing in every edition of the list. 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 a first-in-the-nation networked geothermal pilot project, 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.

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