Eversource Trimming, Removing Trees In Meriden

MERIDEN, CT — Eversource is trimming or removing trees along 40 miles of city roads in Meriden as part of the energy company’s efforts to reduce tree-related power outages across the state, according to officials.

Officials said Eversource is working to address trees that threaten electric reliability in 131 communities this year.

“Trees continue to be the primary cause of power outages, especially during a storm, so identifying weak, diseased and hazardous trees along town roads and trimming or removing them before they cause a problem is critical,” Eversource Director of Vegetation Management Sean Redding said in a news release. “While we all love our trees, we have seen firsthand the damage they can cause to the electric system. Our comprehensive and consistent tree trimming program helps to improve day-to-day reliability during all types of weather and we continue to see fewer power outages where this work has been done – that’s why this work is so vital.”

Tree work is underway and expected to be complete by the end of December. Roads where work is being done include Center, East Main, Main, South Broad and South Colony streets; Old Colony and Westfield roads; and Baldwin and Hanover avenues.

“The energy company is closely coordinating its plan with community leaders and communicating with property owners to explain details of the work and their option to keep the wood cut on their property,” officials wrote in a news release. “As a reminder, all contractors carry proper identification, will never ask to enter a private residence, and there is no cost to the property owner for this work.”

Residents with questions about the roadside work can contact the City of Meriden Parks Department at 203-630-4259 or Eversource arborist John Dyckman at 860-665-3931. Inquiries about roadside tree work can also be directed to Eversource at 844-275-3302 or by email at treeCT@Eversource.com.

“In addition, the energy company reminds customers that homeowners are responsible for tree maintenance on their own property, including keeping branches away from the lower-voltage service wires connecting their homes and businesses to the main utility lines on the street,” according to the news release. “Eversource strongly recommends contacting a professional tree service to perform this work.”

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