$300 million tree-trimming project is sensible way to reduce outages

Connecticut Light & Power's 1.2 million customers depend on reliable electric service, which is why the company is investing heavily in stronger electrical equipment and trimming potentially troublesome trees and branches. It's a strategy that is paying off for customers. In 2013, the company experienced its best reliability in over a decade, with fewer and shorter power outages.

During the past several years, severe storms have wreaked havoc on the state and our electric system. The continued unpredictable weather patterns suggest that dealing with large and multifaceted storms may become a more frequent phenomenon and CL&P is committed to being ready for whatever Mother Nature brings to Connecticut.

That's why the company is spending $300 million over five years to install stronger wires, poles and other critical components, as well as using state-of-the-art communication technology. The company is also working with University of Connecticut scientists on issues such as vegetation management and public education, to ensure a more resilient electric system that CL&P customers expect and deserve. All of these facets will work together to help mitigate storm impact on the electric system and increase reliability.

The company continues upgrading the electric system in various towns around the state, including Groton, Stonington and Montville. Thicker wire, stronger poles and cross-arms, and targeted tree trimming have greatly benefitted customers in those communities. Thus far, more than 120 taller, stronger poles have been installed and 5.6 miles of thicker wires have been added at various locations. Those towns now experience fewer power outages than years past, thanks to these recent improvements. And this important work will begin in other communities soon.

The large storms of recent years have helped many residents understand the importance of tree trimming and tree removal near power lines. Therefore, CL&P has taken a comprehensive approach to vegetation management in cooperation with the Department of Transportation and municipalities around the state. With homeowner approval, tree-trimming is performed where vegetation has or could threaten the electric system. These resiliency efforts are critical given that trees are the number one cause of power outages and are responsible for 90 percent of outages during storms. Since 2013, the company estimates that this comprehensive approach has resulted in a 58 percent reduction in tree-related outages across the state.

The vegetation work now underway statewide includes 1,000 circuit miles a year and an average of 8 trees removed per mile. In 2014, the company has invested significantly in vegetation management in these southeastern towns. In Groton and Stonington, tree trimming took place from January to April along nearly 28 miles of roadway at several different locations.

CL&P is also making improvements to the electric system at various areas in Montville, specifically near the high school, middle school and along Chesterfield and Black Ash Swamp roads. These areas are heavily lined with trees that have caused power outages in the past.

All of these system improvements couldn't be accomplished without the hard work and dedication of our crews. Their commitment coupled with the company's primary goal to keep the electric system in optimal shape, is our unified pledge to provide our customers with the reliable service they expect and deserve.

Bill Herdegen is the president of Connecticut Light & Power.