Submitted by Mitch Gross, Eversource.
Eversource Investing $83 million in Tree Trimming Across Connecticut to Enhance Reliability for Customers
Work scheduled along more than 4,000 miles of electric lines around the state
BERLIN, Conn. (March 13, 2019) – New Englanders have seen firsthand how devastating Mother Nature can be. Last year’s back-to-back nor’easters and destructive tornadoes brought down tens of thousands of trees in Connecticut, causing extensive damage to the electric system and power outages for customers. To fortify the electric distribution system against such extreme weather, Eversource works year-round to execute its comprehensive tree maintenance program. The energy company is investing approximately $83 million this year in tree trimming and hazardous tree removal to enhance reliability for customers throughout Connecticut.
“The long-lasting effects of the drought that plagued the region over the last several years, coupled with consecutive infestations by the gypsy moth and the emerald ash borer have weakened trees around the state,” said Eversource Vegetation Management Manager Alan Carey. “Removing hazardous trees is vital to ensuring our customers have energy for every moment of their lives. Our team of licensed arborists are experts at identifying vulnerable trees that threaten the electric system and they work closely with community leaders to carefully balance the aesthetics of neighborhoods and the need for reliability.”As part of its comprehensive vegetation management plan for 2019, Eversource will be trimming trees along more than 4,000 miles of overhead lines around the state. Among the 130 communities where tree trimming will be performed this year, some of the most extensive work will be done in Greenwich along 116 miles of electric lines. Trees will also be trimmed along 103 miles in Redding, 101 miles in Newtown and 92 miles in Enfield. Other communities where pruning will be completed include Manchester, Watertown, Southbury, Meriden and Windham. Eversource notifies customers in advance if trimming is necessary on their property.
In addition to all the work Eversource crews do to minimize the effects of trees on electric reliability, the company reminds customers that homeowners are responsible for tree maintenance on their own property. That includes keeping branches away from the lower-voltage service wires connecting their homes and businesses to the main utility lines on the street. Eversource strongly recommends contacting a professional tree service to perform this work. For details on the company’s comprehensive vegetation management program, please visit Eversource.com.
