System upgrades, tree trimming and modern technology provide significant benefits to customers

MANCHESTER, N.H. (December 11, 2018) - In the decade since the devastating 2008 ice storm, Eversource has come a long way in enhancing reliability for customers. From investing in robust tree trimming programs and upgrades to strengthen and modernize the electric system to utilizing modern technology to better communicate information before and during storms, Eversource has significantly advanced its response when severe weather strikes.

"The devastating damage caused by the ice storm is something we hope our customers will never experience again, and we prepare our system year-round to withstand the most severe storms," said Eversource VP of Electric Operations Joe Purington. "Over the last ten years, we have made significant investments to harden the electric system and improve reliability, resulting in considerable progress to benefit our customers. This includes relocating sections of our electric system out of wooded areas to roadside and installing taller, more durable structures, covered wire and modern technology on our system to reduce the frequency and duration of power outages for our customers."

Among the most significant improvements following the 2008 ice storm is Eversource's investment in a state-of-the-art System Operations Center that put all aspects of electric system operations and outage response under one roof. Eversource's system operators are able to assess outage reports, dispatch line crews and remotely isolate trouble spots and reroute power to customers by strategically implementing Distribution Automation (DA) technology. The energy company has installed hundreds of these smart switches on its system, dramatically reducing the number of customers impacted by power outages and making it possible to restore hundreds of customers within minutes of an interruption.

"Our customers depend on us to deliver the energy that powers their lives," Purington added. "When severe weather strikes, we work around-the-clock to be there for our customers when they need us. The dedication of our employees combined with our commitment to utilizing new technology and strengthening and modernizing our electric system has resulted in tremendous gains in reliability for our customers."

Significant investments in reliability since the 2008 ice storm include the following:

  • Robust tree trimming and hazardous tree removal programs ($44 million invested in 2018)
  • Outage Management System and enhanced outage map
  • State-of-the-art System Operations Center and mobile response units
  • Stronger, more durable poles and covered wires
  • Automated equipment at substations that allow system operators to identify issues as soon as they occur and reroute power to customers
  • Smart switches that isolate trouble spots, reducing the duration and frequency of power outages
  • Reconfiguration of electric system to create redundancy
  • Modern technology that enables customers to personalize how they receive important outage information and updates by selecting the method of contact that best suits their lifestyle-text message, email or phone call

Eversource (NYSE: ES) is New Hampshire's largest electric utility, serving more than 500,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns, and also supplies water to approximately 9,300 homes and businesses in Hampton, North Hampton and Rye. Eversource is proud to be recognized as the top contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. Recognized as the top U.S. utility for its energy efficiency programs by the sustainability advocacy organization Ceres, Eversource harnesses the commitment of about 8,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. For more information, please visit our website (www.eversource.com) and follow us on Twitter (@eversourceNH) and Facebook (facebook.com/EversourceNH). For more information on our water services, visit www.aquarionwater.com.

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

Kaitlyn Woods
603-634-2418
kaitlyn.woods@eversource.com

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Eversource Energy published this content on 11 December 2018 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 11 December 2018 17:39:02 UTC