Additional out-of-state crews arrived this morning as energy company continues to discover more damage caused by ice-covered trees
MANCHESTER, N.H. (March 25, 2024) – As additional crews arrived this morning from as far away as Michigan to support Eversource’s restoration effort following the early spring ice and snow storm that caused significant tree damage across New Hampshire, the energy company continued efforts to clear blocked roads, downed wires and other damage while making repairs to the electric system.
Working around-the-clock since Saturday evening, Eversource crews have restored power to more than 111,000 customers statewide – including more than 36,000 in fewer than five minutes by remote system operators using distribution automation technology like smart switches. The energy company anticipates to substantially complete restoration for its customers by 11:30 p.m. tonight, with work on a handful of smaller one- and two-customer outages that require complex, time-intensive repairs continuing into Tuesday.
“This early spring storm brought some of the most significant ice damage to trees in New Hampshire that we’ve seen in several years, causing more than 180 blocked roads, more than 100 broken poles, and extensive damage to the electric system in multiple regions across the state,” said Eversource New Hampshire President of Electric Operations Doug Foley. “With temperatures remaining below freezing in many areas through this morning, the ice had not melted yet – requiring significant effort by our crews to cut and clear trees and other debris in order to access damage and make repairs. We also discovered even more damage through yesterday and this morning as our crews reached more areas of the system, with more small one- and two-customer outages than usual that require complex, more time-intensive repairs. We remain on pace to substantially complete restoration for our customers impacted by this storm by 11:30 p.m., and our dedicated employees will continue working tirelessly until all customers have power.”
The substantial icing beyond what was forecasted for this storm was the primary cause of tree damage that led to outages; for example, 1/4 inch of ice can add 250 pounds to a tree branch or powerline. Of the approximately 14,000 remaining customers without power as of 1:30 p.m., some of the most significantly impacted communities include Weare, Hopkinton, New Boston, Henniker, Dunbarton, Webster, and Mont Vernon.
As clean-up work continues into Tuesday, Eversource crews will be restoring any remaining customer outages, making permanent repairs to the system, and conducting additional patrols – including aerially – of the system tomorrow. Eversource continues to remind customers to always stay clear of downed wires – including keeping pets away – and report them immediately to 9–1–1. In addition, customers should be cautious when doing their own storm clean up – when moving or cutting tree limbs, look for any wires that may be entangled in debris.
Additional post-storm safety tips are available on the safety page of Eversource’s website.