Eversource Energy announced Thursday it will spend $74 million on tree trimming and removal this year, to lessen the chances of power outages in the wake of potentially powerful storms.
Eversource said it annually trims or removes trees near approximately one-quarter of its more than 16,000 miles of overhead power lines around the state. This year, work is scheduled to be done along more than 4,300 miles of lines.
Most of the tree trimming and removal this year will be performed in Greenwich, Manchester, Newtown, Redding, Watertown, Berlin, Enfield, Meriden, Southbury and Stamford.
“Connecticut’s roadside forest is not only getting older, it continues to suffer the effect of a variety of environmental factors ranging from stronger storms and recent droughts to a growing list of insect infestations and diseases,….” Eversource Vegetation Management Manager Sean Redding said. “That’s why our thoughtful program of identifying and removing weak and hazardous trees has never been more important. Tree trimming is one of the most cost-effective solutions to strengthening the electric grid.”