Eversource Strengthens Service and Reliability with Acquisition of Electric Utility Poles in New Hampshire
Eversource has acquired all electric utility pole interests previously owned by Consolidated Communications (CCI) in New Hampshire, as approved by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. With this agreement, Eversource now assumes responsibility for maintaining an additional 175,393 utility pole equivalents across all 10 counties in the state. This ownership transfer enables Eversource to enhance service and reliability for its customers by streamlining repairs, new pole installations, and upgrades across a larger portion of its New Hampshire service territory.
“From stronger, more durable poles to covered wire and distribution automation technology like smart switches, we’re working every day to improve reliability for our customers and make our electric system more resilient to extreme weather and other issues caused by climate change,” said Doug Foley, Eversource New Hampshire President of Operations. “Pole replacements and equipment transfers are time-consuming, labor-intensive processes that are necessary every day in order to provide safe, reliable service to customers, and utilities must work collaboratively to ensure the proper maintenance of this vast network that is essential to all of our electricity and telecommunications needs. With this agreement, these poles will now be fully integrated into our maintenance processes, enabling our dedicated field employees to efficiently complete necessary upgrades and repairs to make our electric system more resilient for customers.”
In New Hampshire, towns are divided into “maintenance areas” designated for electric and telephone companies, determining the responsibilities for pole installation, maintenance, and removal. Other entities rent space on the poles to attach their equipment, and joint ownership companies have agreements outlining the pole replacement process. By completing the agreement with CCI, Eversource eliminates the complexities associated with joint pole ownership and can integrate the poles seamlessly into its maintenance procedures, resulting in improved service and reliability for customers.
The approval of the agreement by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission in November 2022 marked the conclusion of a thorough regulatory review process that commenced in February 2021. With the successful transfer of pole ownership and maintenance responsibility, Eversource is actively collaborating with communities and the state to address any existing pole issues, carry out necessary repairs or replacements, and include the new poles in its regular inspection protocols.
