Work scheduled along 4,300-plus miles of electric lines

Press Release

BERLIN When the power goes out during a storm, it’s usually 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 licensed arborists works year-round developing and implementing its comprehensive, datadriven maintenance program to enhance system reliability for customers. This year, the energy company is investing $74 million in tree management as part of a continuing goal to balance the need for electric reliability with the natural beauty that communities value

“Connecticut’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 recent droughts to a growing list of insect infestations and diseases,” said Eversource Vegetation Management Manager Sean Redding. “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.”

To enhance collaboration on tree trimming and removal with the communities it serves, Eversource launched a “scorecard” program last year to share critical information on the reliability and public safety impact trees are having in their city or town. The energy company has provided the scorecards to each town to show the number of miles scheduled for tree work, how trees have affected electric service or caused blocked roads in that community and a thorough explanation of the scope and importance of work planned.

Every year, Eversource trims or removes trees near ap proximately one-quarter of its more than 16,000 miles of overhead power lines around the state.

This year, work is scheduled to be done along more than 4,300 miles of lines with some of the most extensive work being done in these communities: Greenwich: 140 miles of electric lines; Manchester: 100 miles; Newtown: 100 miles; Redding: 98 miles; Watertown: 92 miles; Berlin: 80 miles; Enfield: 80 miles; Meriden: 80 miles; Southbury: 80 miles; Stamford: 80 miles.

See Energy, A7