Eversource Working On System Enhancements In Glastonbury

GLASTONBURY, CT — Crews from Eversource Energy are in Glastonbury as part of a $1 million investment in electric distribution system upgrades in town and neighboring Portland.

These enhancement projects include replacing more than 50 utility poles with stronger, thicker models, utiliuty officials said.

"Smart switches" are also being added to the system to help restore power outages more quickly if they do occur. The devices can limit the number of customers affected by an outage and restore power with computer-assisted technology from the energy company’s operations center, without having to send a crew to inspect the line and make repairs, officials said.

"Our job is to ensure customers have the reliable energy they need to run their businesses and power their lives," Eversource President of Regional Electric Operations Craig Hallstrom said. "By making these strategic investments, like the ones in Portland and Glastonbury, we’re building a more robust and resilient electric grid that will serve our customers well into the future."

Work is scheduled in the southern part of Glastonbury on State Route 17 (Main Street) and Hopewell Road.

The work in Portland is taking place along State Route 17 (Glastonbury Turnpike); Jobs Pond, Ames Hollow, Rose Hill, Penny Corner and Cox roads; and Bartlett and High streets.

The project is under way and weather permitting, crews are working from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and occasionally on Friday.

Eversource and its contractors are coordinating with town officials about potential traffic disruptions while the work is ongoing.

Customers may experience short power interruptions at times during the course of the project so crews can safely perform the work. Any customers affected will be notified by the company in advance.

The project is expected to be complete by the end of the year.