Andover Select Board Reviews Power Outage Plans, Town Priorities

ANDOVER, MA — The Andover Select Board focused on power outages and town priorities during its first meeting of 2026 on Jan. 5 at Town Offices.

National Grid representatives appeared at the board’s request to address ongoing concerns about frequent power disruptions in parts of Andover. Board members said residents continue to report outages that affect daily life and safety.

National Grid introduced a new mapping tool that shows where outages occur and what causes them. The map highlighted several areas with repeated issues over the past two years, including Lowell Street, Chestnut Street, Chester Street, Woburn Street, Salem Street, Jenkins Road and Rocky Hill Road.

Company officials outlined targeted steps aimed at improving reliability in those areas. Planned work includes increased tree trimming, equipment upgrades to prevent animal-related outages, and wire improvements to reduce the number of homes affected when a problem occurs.

National Grid said most customers in Andover should see faster power restoration over the next two years as upgrades continue. The Select Board asked to receive regular updates as the work moves forward.

Town Manager Andrew Flanagan also provided a midyear update on progress toward the Select Board’s strategic goals for the fiscal year. He said work is moving forward across all major areas, including finances, capital planning, communications and board priorities.

One item expected to reach many residents is a new townwide survey launching later this month. Conducted in partnership with UMass Lowell, the survey will measure satisfaction with town services and preferred ways to receive information. Results are expected in the spring.

The board also took several votes. Members approved appointments to new committees focused on public art and Andover’s role in the nation’s 250th anniversary. The board accepted a $10,000 donation to support transportation services for older residents and adopted updates to its finance and investment policy.

The Select Board is scheduled to meet again Jan. 20. The meeting can be viewed through AndoverTV.