Eversource prepping for Massachusetts winter storm with extra crews, bulk power ‘operating reliably’

Eversource says crews are out in full force and supplies will be distributed quickly throughout Boston and across the region in preparation of possible power outages during the forecasted winter storm expected to hit this weekend.

“We’re still in our preparation phase right now,” said William Hinkle, a spokesman for Eversource Energy. “The type of weather expected from this storm can cause a number of issues.”

The Herald reported Thursday the nor’easter forecasted to hit late Friday, into Saturday could dump as much as 2 feet of snow in the Boston area. Hinkle said their greatest concern with a storm of this magnitude is the snow dump and strong winds’ propensity to knock trees onto power lines.

A spokesman for ISO New England, which manages the bulk power system and movement of energy from power plants to local utilities like Eversource, said “the power system is operating reliably, and we’re expecting that to continue.”

“As always, we’re in communication with the utilities, power plant operators, and neighboring grid operators to make sure everyone is on the same page,” said ISO spokesman Matthew Kakley. “These types of storms typically have a greater impact on the local distribution system than the bulk power system that we manage.”

The New England power system demand peaked at 22,818 megawatts during a January 2004 cold snap, according to ISO New England’s Winter Outlook report. This compares to a 19,710 MW peak demand during average winter weather.

Eversource, Boston’s power utility, supplies 1.8 million customers across Massachusetts, including roughly 1.5 million electric power customers. While they also supply natural gas and water to customers, distribution of those resources doesn’t carry the same risks as the power grid during winter storms.

Aside from Eversource’s Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire prep crews, support crews from near and far pitch in through an industry mutual aid network alert system.

Eversource provides an updated power outage map on its website that is refreshed every 15 minutes.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3Gb4awU