Company warning: hazardous weather will hamper speed of restoring power

BERLIN, Conn. (Feb. 22, 2026) – With heavy wet snow and high winds bringing blizzard conditions to Connecticut tonight and tomorrow, Eversource continues to closely monitor several weather forecasts and plan accordingly.  The combination of heavy wet snow and strong winds can easily bring down trees and tree limbs onto power lines and equipment causing power outages. The energy company has roughly 700 crews, including outside lineworkers from NH, MA, NY, NJ and PA who will all be well prepared and in position before the storm begins. Even with precise and strategic planning and preparations, Eversource is warning customers that hazardous weather conditions will slow power restoration efforts. 

“This is forecasted to be a slow‑moving, long‑duration winter storm with blizzard warnings in effect for parts of the state and that can be very problematic,” said Eversource President of Electric Operations in Connecticut Steve Sullivan. “Deep snow and drifting can bury downed power lines and electrical equipment, making hazards difficult to see.  The poor visibility from high winds and blowing snow will also make it very challenging for crews traveling to damage locations and working on equipment. All of these factors will impact our response times and customers should be aware that while our crews will be working as quickly and safely as possible, restoration efforts could extend over multiple days.”

Customers are strongly encouraged to also prepare for the storm by assembling or restocking a storm kit which should include essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable foods, pet food and essentials and any needed medications. In addition, make sure cell phones and devices are fully charged, create an emergency plan with family members and prepare to check on elderly neighbors and friends.

The energy company also reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires – which includes keeping pets away – and to report them immediately to 9-1-1. Be sure to report any outage online at Eversource.com, or by calling 800-286-2000. 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.

Additional preparedness tips can be found at the Storm Preparedness section at Eversource.com.

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its commitment to sustainability and corporate citizenship, is named among America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek for 2026 and recognized as the #1 utility on USA Today’s list of America’s Climate Leaders for 2025. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity to 1.3 million customers in 157 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 254,000 customers in 85 communities, and supplies water to approximately 225,000 customers in 60 communities across Connecticut. Eversource harnesses the commitment of more than 10,000 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.