Submitted by Tricia Modifica
(June 3, 2026) — With the unpredictable nature of New England weather and the constant possibility for intense storms throughout the year, Eversource focuses year-round on strengthening the electric system and preparing for extreme weather to enhance reliability for customers. While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2026 there is always the potential for tropical storms, hurricanes, or other extreme weather with strong winds to impact the region and the energy company continues its never-ending preparedness efforts and critical investments in the grid to help bolster electric reliability for its customers.
“As we enter another hurricane season, our top priority is keeping our customers and communities safe, connected and informed, which is why we work year-round to strengthen our infrastructure and refine our emergency response protocols so we’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings our way,” said Eversource President of Connecticut Electric Operations Steve Sullivan. “Our ongoing investments to harden the electric system – combined with our comprehensive and proactive vegetation management program – have improved reliability for our customers significantly over the last decade, along with our strategic coordination with emergency partners and our communities to ensure a quick, safe response when extreme weather impacts our state. While we can’t control how severe this hurricane season will be, we can control how we prepare – and we’re taking all necessary steps to ensure we’re ready.”
With trees causing more than 90% of power outages during storms across Eversource’s three-state service territory, trimming and removing hazard trees that threaten overhead electric lines and infrastructure are crucial to providing customers with reliable power in all types of weather. Eversource’s robust, year-round vegetation management program is fundamental to emergency preparedness by addressing trees that pose risks to public safety and electric reliability before they become a larger issue. Throughout the year, the energy company also works continuously to make critically needed investments in the electric grid across the state – replacing aging utility poles, electric lines and other materials with stronger, more modern equipment that can better withstand severe weather, including the installation of automated technology like smart switches and bolstering infrastructure at its substations to improve the resiliency of these critical points on the system.
“Storm preparedness and response is a responsibility we take very seriously, and we know that our customers have strong expectations for a safe, efficient restoration every time severe weather is in the forecast,” added Sullivan. “With the 2026 hurricane season officially underway, we also encourage our customers to take time now to prepare at home and create an emergency plan that can make a real difference when storms strike.”
Eversource offers several simple tips and steps customers can take to help prepare for hurricane season at home and know what to do before, during and after a storm. The energy company provides a storm safety checklist and encourages customers to always have an emergency plan in place, stock a storm kit with essential items, plan a meeting place for family members and be ready to check on neighbors. Natural gas customers are encouraged to take extra precautions if their furnace, heating system or any appliances are located in a flood prone area. Customers can also download Eversource’s mobile app or to sign up for the company’s two-way texting to report and check outages in the event they do lose power.
For more on the energy company’s emergency preparedness efforts and restoration process, visit Eversource.com.
