EnergySolutions : Eversource Upgrading Electric System in Branford

BERLIN, Conn. -As part of Eversource's commitment to provide reliable power to its customers, the company is investing $5.7 million in system upgrades in the town of Branford. The work includes installing new, stronger, and thicker utility poles, which can better withstand extreme weather. "Smart switches" are also being added to the system to help restore power outages more quickly when they do happen. These devices can limit the number of customers affected by an outage and restore power with computer-assisted technology from the company's operations center, without having to send a crew to inspect the line and make repairs.

"Our job is to ensure customers have the reliable energy they need to run their businesses and power their lives," said Craig Hallstrom, president of Electric Operations at Eversource in Connecticut. "By making these strategic investments, like the ones in Branford, we're building a more robust and resilient electric grid that will serve our customers well into the future."

Approximately 142 utility poles are being replaced along North Branford Road (Route 139), Short Beach Road (Route 142), School Ground, Double Beach and Alps roads; Main Street (Route 146), West Main Street (Route 1), Rogers, Kirkham, Maple, Court and Meadow streets; Indian Neck and Clark avenues, Burban Drive, and most side streets in the area.

The project is now underway and weather permitting, crews will be working from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Eversource and its contractors are coordinating with town officials about potential traffic disruptions while the work is ongoing. Customers may experience short power interruptions at times during the course of the project so crews can safely perform the work. Any customers affected will be notified by the company in advance. The project is expected to be complete by the end of September.

To see photos of upgrade work, visithere.

Eversource (NYSE: ES) transmits and delivers electricity to 1.2 million customers in 149 cities and towns and provides natural gas to 229,000 customers in 72 communities in Connecticut. Recognized as the top U.S. utility for its energy efficiency programs by the sustainability advocacy organization Ceres, Eversource harnesses the commitment of its approximately 8,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and superior customer service. For more information, please visit our website (www.eversource.com) and follow us on Twitter (@EversourceCT) and Facebook (facebook.com/EversourceCT).

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