Eversource Energy : Substation Upgrades Automate Grid, Enhance Reliability for Customers

Flexible delivery system supports a clean energy future in the Granite State

MANCHESTER, N.H. (April 9, 2019) - As part of ongoing efforts to enhance reliability for customers, Eversource will deliver new equipment to its Emerald Street substation this week as part of a project to modernize its electric system in the Greater Keene area. A replacement for aging electrical equipment, new transformers and switchgear will further automate the electric system, enhancing the ability of Eversource's system operators to monitor the grid, remotely isolate outages, reroute power to customers and pinpoint the location of trouble spots to quickly dispatch crews to make repairs.

"This project to modernize our Emerald Street substation will help make our delivery system more reliable and flexible so that we can continue to meet our customers' increasingly sophisticated power needs and integrate new renewable energy sources," said Eversource NH President Bill Quinlan. "We are always working to better serve our customers by investing in upgrades that modernize our transmission and distribution system to support economic development and a clean energy future here in New Hampshire."

The new switchgear-the largest to be installed in an Eversource substation in the Granite State-is scheduled to travel from Fulton, Missouri, and will arrive in Keene on April 10, weather permitting. The project to upgrade the Emerald Street substation includes replacing four aging transformers and installing new automation technology, control cables and security systems. These significant investments to automate the electric system will enhance the reliable delivery of power to more than 18,000 homes and businesses in the Greater Keene region.

As part of its extensive community outreach efforts, Eversource has worked closely with the City of Keene throughout the project, providing frequent updates and information. The transport of the new switchgear equipment was coordinated by AZZ Switchgear Systems and its contractor completing the move. The massive equipment will be lifted into the substation by crane and it's possible there may be some traffic delays limited to Emerald Street while the equipment is unloaded. Eversource will remain in constant communication with the city, coordinating details and providing updates throughout the move. The project to modernize the substation is expected to be complete in December 2020.

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
[e-mail]

Kaitlyn Woods
603-634-2418
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