Submitted by Mitch Gross, Eversource.
BERLIN, Conn. (August 19, 2021) – As Tropical Storm Henri moves up the East Coast with the potential to strengthen into a hurricane, Eversource is preparing to respond to potential impacts on its customers and communities in Connecticut. The energy company is closely monitoring multiple storm models and preparing for various scenarios depending on the storm’s eventual path, positioning line and tree crews, support staff and other resources across the state, as well as securing additional contract crews to be ready to restore power as quickly and safely as possible if customers lose power.
“We have been closely watching multiple storm forecasts for several days, and we’re actively engaged in our emergency response preparedness efforts so that, if necessary, we’re ready to respond and quickly restore power for our customers,” said Eversource President of Regional Electric Operations Craig Hallstrom. “There’s still some uncertainty across multiple models that we follow, and we’re preparing based on the current forecast. One of the biggest challenges for storms like Henri is that changes in the storm track can significantly alter potential impacts. We will continue to adjust our response plans to shift crews and other resources accordingly as the storm approaches New England, and our dedicated employees are ready to work around the clock to serve our customers.”
Eversource prepares every day to ensure that the company is ready to respond to severe weather like hurricanes, constantly working to modernize and strengthen the electric system to help ensure safe and reliable service for customers while also regularly refining its emergency response plan and processes. In addition to the preparation efforts across electric operations, the energy company is also closely monitoring the natural gas delivery system and will have crews ready to assess and respond to any storm-related impacts to that system as well.
The energy company recommends customers assemble or restock a storm kit with essential items, including pet food and medications. Additional preparedness tips can be found at Eversource.com.
Eversource urges customers to always stay clear of any 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.
