Submitted by Mitch Gross
BERLIN, Conn. (January 31, 2021) – As the first major snowstorm of 2021 makes its way toward New England, Eversource is ready for the predicted heavy snow and strong winds expected Monday and Tuesday. While continuing to operate under its COVID-19 pandemic plan and adhering to its strict social distancing and safety measures, the energy company will have line and tree crews pre-positioned around the state to respond to any damage or outages caused by this storm. Out-of-state crews are being brought in to assist with restoring power, and customer care representatives are at the ready to take calls if needed.
“We’ve been watching this storm for days and will adjust our plan accordingly,” said Eversource President of Regional Electric Operations Craig Hallstrom. “The forecasts call for large amounts of snow and high winds, which may make travel conditions challenging for the crews. We’re checking our equipment and supplies and staging the crews at our work centers across the state to ensure we’re ready to repair any damage we may see from this storm. We also remind customers that restorations may take longer as we ensure the safety of our employees and customers while continuing to work under the challenging conditions related to the pandemic.”
Eversource urges customers to always stay clear of downed wires and to report them immediately to 911. Be sure to report any outage online at www.eversource.com, or by calling 800-286-2000. Customers who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.
Eversource natural gas customers should be aware that some natural gas heating systems may be affected by a power outage and it’s important to keep gas meters and outdoor vents clear of snow and ice buildup. Customers should carefully remove snow and ice with a broom or by hand. Do not use a shovel or kick the gas meter which can damage the meter. Customers should also immediately leave their home or business if they smell gas and call 911.
The company also offers the following tips on its website to help customers prepare for emergencies:
Additional preparedness tips can be found at Eversource.com.
