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Keeping the lights on: Eversource using new technology designed to speed up response time in a storm

Keeping the Lights On: How Eversource is Harnessing Cutting-Edge Technology to Ensure Reliable Power

In an era where electricity is the lifeblood of modern society, utility companies face mounting challenges from extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and increasing demand. Eversource Energy, one of the largest energy providers in the Northeast United States, serving millions of customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, is at the forefront of innovating solutions to these issues. Through a strategic embrace of advanced technologies, Eversource is not just reacting to power outages but proactively preventing them, ensuring that homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure remain illuminated even in the face of adversity. This commitment to technological integration is transforming the way energy is delivered, making the grid smarter, more resilient, and more efficient.

At the heart of Eversource's strategy is the deployment of smart grid technology, a sophisticated network that uses digital communication to monitor and manage electricity flow in real-time. Unlike traditional grids, which operate on a one-way street from power plants to consumers, smart grids enable two-way communication. Sensors placed throughout the system collect data on voltage levels, equipment performance, and even weather conditions. This data is fed into centralized control centers where algorithms analyze it to detect anomalies before they escalate into full-blown outages. For instance, if a tree branch is encroaching on a power line, sensors can alert maintenance teams hours or even days in advance, allowing for preemptive action. Eversource has invested heavily in this infrastructure, rolling out thousands of smart meters across its service areas. These devices not only provide customers with detailed usage insights via mobile apps but also empower the company to balance loads dynamically, reducing the strain on the system during peak hours.

One of the most exciting advancements Eversource employs is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies sift through vast amounts of data from the smart grid to predict potential failures. By analyzing historical patterns—such as how certain weather events have impacted specific lines in the past—AI models can forecast risks with remarkable accuracy. During Hurricane Henri in 2021, for example, Eversource's AI-driven predictive analytics helped identify vulnerable sections of the grid, enabling crews to reinforce them beforehand. This not only minimized downtime but also enhanced safety for workers who could avoid hazardous conditions post-storm. Machine learning algorithms are continually refined, learning from each event to improve future predictions. Eversource collaborates with tech firms and research institutions to push these boundaries, integrating AI with geographic information systems (GIS) to map out infrastructure vulnerabilities overlaid with environmental data like flood zones or high-wind areas.

Drones and robotics represent another pillar of Eversource's tech arsenal. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging sensors are dispatched to inspect power lines, poles, and substations that are often in hard-to-reach locations. Traditional inspections required linemen to climb poles or use helicopters, which were time-consuming, expensive, and risky. Drones, however, can cover miles of terrain in a fraction of the time, identifying issues like corrosion, vegetation overgrowth, or structural weaknesses without putting human lives in danger. In 2023, Eversource expanded its drone program, training pilots and integrating AI software that automatically flags anomalies in footage. This has led to a significant reduction in unplanned outages, with the company reporting a 20% drop in vegetation-related disruptions in pilot areas. On the ground, robotic devices crawl along underground cables to detect faults, further enhancing the reliability of buried infrastructure.

Beyond prevention, Eversource is leveraging technology for rapid response and restoration. Mobile command centers equipped with satellite communication and real-time data dashboards allow field teams to coordinate efficiently during emergencies. Augmented reality (AR) tools are being tested, where technicians wear smart glasses that overlay digital schematics onto physical equipment, guiding repairs with precision. This is particularly useful in complex scenarios, such as restoring power after a nor'easter, where visibility and access might be limited. Eversource's outage management system, powered by advanced software, uses GPS tracking to dispatch crews to the exact location of a fault, optimizing routes and resources. Customers benefit too, with apps and text alerts providing estimated restoration times based on live data, reducing frustration and improving communication.

Sustainability is woven into Eversource's technological fabric. As the push for renewable energy intensifies, the company is integrating solar, wind, and battery storage into its grid. Smart inverters on solar panels communicate with the grid to stabilize voltage fluctuations, while large-scale battery systems store excess energy for peak demand periods. In Massachusetts, Eversource's Cape Cod battery project demonstrates how lithium-ion batteries can act as virtual power plants, discharging energy when needed to prevent blackouts. This not only keeps the lights on but also supports the transition to a greener energy future, aligning with state mandates for carbon reduction. By using predictive analytics, Eversource optimizes the integration of intermittent renewables, ensuring that wind farms in New Hampshire or solar arrays in Connecticut contribute reliably without destabilizing the grid.

Challenges remain, of course. Implementing these technologies requires substantial investment—Eversource has poured billions into grid modernization over the past decade. Regulatory hurdles, cybersecurity threats, and the need for skilled workforce training are ongoing concerns. Cyberattacks on utilities have risen, prompting Eversource to bolster its defenses with encrypted networks and AI-driven threat detection. The company also invests in employee training programs, partnering with universities to upskill workers in data analytics and drone operation. Community engagement is key; Eversource hosts workshops and webinars to educate customers on how these technologies benefit them, fostering trust and transparency.

Looking ahead, Eversource envisions an even more interconnected future. The advent of 5G networks will enhance data transmission speeds, enabling ultra-responsive grid management. Internet of Things (IoT) devices could turn everyday appliances into grid participants, automatically adjusting usage during high-demand periods. Pilot projects involving electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure are underway, where smart chargers communicate with the grid to charge during off-peak hours, alleviating pressure on the system. As climate change exacerbates weather extremes, these innovations will be crucial. Eversource's leadership emphasizes that technology is not a silver bullet but a tool amplified by human ingenuity and collaboration.

In summary, Eversource's multifaceted approach to technology is redefining energy reliability. From AI predictions to drone inspections and sustainable integrations, the company is building a resilient grid that withstands today's challenges and anticipates tomorrow's. For customers, this means fewer interruptions, lower costs through efficiency, and a step toward a sustainable planet. As one Eversource executive put it, "We're not just delivering power; we're engineering the future of energy." This proactive stance ensures that, come storm or surge, the lights stay on, powering lives and economies across the region.

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