Eversource Makes Upgrades in Weare and Henniker

MANCHESTER, NH — Eversource is completing important upgrades to enhance the reliability of the electric system in Weare and surrounding communities. The company will complete two important projects to strengthen existing infrastructure in the area and to modernize the electric system, according to a press statement.

As Eversource replaces utility poles and wires throughout the state with equipment that is more resistant to New England's extreme weather, the company is also installing state-of-the-art, automatic switching devices that identify the location of power outages as they occur, isolate problem areas on the system, and re-route power to customers. These "smart switches" ensure there is more than one way the electricity can reach customers, which reduces the duration of outages and the number of customers affected.

"The installation of smart switches in Weare and Henniker will enable our system operators to re-route power to about 2,500 customers following an outage," said Joe Purington, Eversource Vice President of Electrical Operations. "This automated equipment requires no human action, which allows us to restore an outage almost instantly. In many cases, customers are not even affected by the outage."

Eversource is investing about $900,000 to complete the upgrades in Henniker and Weare, which will include the replacement of about 74 utility poles with stronger, more durable structures, as well as the installation of stronger wires that are more resistant to breaking. Work started in Weare in September along Route-114, and the final phase of construction is to be completed in Henniker. The company anticipates the projects will be complete by the end of the year.

By closing the gap between two circuits in Henniker and Weare, the upgrades will make it possible for Eversource to re-route power to the police and fire stations in Weare, as well as to local schools and businesses, including Pats Peak in Henniker. The improvements will make the electric system more resistant to severe weather, ice and wind, reducing the risk of an electrical outage.

"Our customers count on us to provide the energy they need to run their businesses and their lives," said Purington. "This investment enhances our efforts throughout the state to build a smarter, more robust and resilient electric grid."

Submitted by Kaitlyn Woods.