SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — As the 2023 hurricane season begins, Eversource is reminding customers about the importance of preparing and planning for major storms. 

 

The changing climate is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather, and the energy company works year-round to strengthen the grid through upgrades, maintenance, and proactive vegetation management to enhance reliability for customers. Atlantic hurricane season lasts through November, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a near-normal season with up to 17 storms having winds above 39 mph and possibly nine of those storms becoming hurricanes. 

 

"We work every day to make the electric system more resilient to extreme weather and are constantly refining emergency response plans to be ready to respond to severe storms, which can be particularly unpredictable during hurricane season," said Eversource President for Regional Electric Operations Craig Hallstrom. "Our daily work to install stronger poles, thicker wires, and new, smart technologies that can shorten and isolate outages, as well as address hazardous trees that threaten the grid and public safety, delivers significant reliability benefits – and our dedicated employees are always ready to serve our customers no matter what Mother Nature brings." 

 

With trees causing more than 90 percent of power outages during storms, trimming and removing hazard trees that threaten overhead electric lines is crucial to providing customers with reliable power in all types of weather. The energy company's comprehensive year-round tree trimming program is fundamental to emergency preparedness. This year Eversource is investing $41 million to help reduce storm-related tree damage across Massachusetts with work scheduled in communities across the commonwealth.

 

Eversource offers several simple tips and steps customers can take to help prepare for hurricane season at home – 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. Customers can also download Eversource's mobile app or sign up for the company's two-way texting to report and check outages in the event they do occur.