Suffield Part of $80M Eversource Trimming Program for 2018

SUFFIELD, CT — Eversource Energy on Wednesday announced an $80 million "investment" this year in tree trimming and hazardous tree removal work "to enhance reliability for customers throughout Connecticut," and Suffield is right in the mix.

Trimming is scheduled over a course of 54 miles of power lines in town.

“The drought plaguing the region over the last several years may have ended, but the effects are long-lasting and took a toll on trees around the state,” Eversource Vegetation Management Manager Sean Redding said. “Consecutive infestations by the gypsy moth and now by the emerald ash borer are adding to the problem, that’s why identifying and removing hazardous trees is vital. We’re always working to serve our customers better, and our comprehensive tree trimming program is part of an overall strategy to ensure year-round reliability.”

In 2018, Eversource will be trimming trees along more than 4,000 miles of overhead lines around the state. Eversource notifies customers in advance if trimming is necessary on their property.

Eversource officials are reminding 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, utility officials said. Eversource officials said they "strongly recommend" having a professional tree service do the work.

For details on the company’s comprehensive vegetation management program, please visit Eversource.com.

Maintaining a reliable energy system that is resilient to New England weather requires a comprehensive and targeted tree maintenance program. Eversource’s team of licensed arborists works year-round to help prepare the energy system for storms, carefully balancing the need for electric reliability with community aesthetics.

Photo Credit: Eversource