Eversource Power Outage Update: Winter Storm Impacts and Restoration Timeline

• Eversource Energy is currently experiencing widespread outages due to a winter storm impacting the East Coast, with over 511,000 customers affected.
• The storm has caused significant disruptions due to high winds, heavy snow, and fallen trees damaging local infrastructure like power lines and poles.
• Restoration efforts are underway, but severe weather and hazardous travel conditions may delay full service restoration for some customers for up to five days.
• Eversource and National Grid are pre-positioning crews and materials to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, with crews working around the clock.
• The outages are primarily due to local infrastructure issues rather than systemic grid failures, with grid operators reporting normal conditions across the region.

Widespread power outages have gripped the East Coast following a powerful winter storm, leaving hundreds of thousands of Eversource customers without electricity. As of 2026-02-23, more than 511,000 customers are affected, with Massachusetts being the hardest hit. The storm's combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and falling trees has led to local infrastructure failures, particularly downed lines and damaged poles according to reports. Despite these challenges, grid operators have confirmed that the backbone of the power grid remains stable and functional.

Did Eversource Outage Affect More Than 500,000 Customers in the Winter Storm?

Eversource Energy is among the most impacted utilities, with over 135,000 of its 3.3 million customers without power. The storm has also affected FirstEnergy, with over 81,000 outages, and United Illuminating with 234 outages as reported. The primary cause of these outages is not systemic grid failure but rather localized damage from fallen trees and power line disruptions. ISO New England and other grid operators have assured that the overall system remains stable according to reports.

Restoration efforts are being slowed by severe weather. Eversource has warned that some customers may not see power restored for up to five days due to the high winds and snowfall according to the utility. The utility has mobilized hundreds of crews and is working with out-of-state workers to speed up repairs. However, bucket trucks used for overhead line repairs cannot operate safely when wind gusts exceed 35 mph, and peak gusts in some areas are reaching 75 mph as reported.

How Long Will Eversource Power Outage Restoration Take Under Current Conditions?

As of 3 p.m. on 2026-02-23, Eversource had restored power to nearly 5,000 customers, reducing the number of outages from a peak of over 14,000 according to data. United Illuminating had restored nearly all of its affected customers, with just 234 still without power. Still, Eversource crews continue to work under extreme conditions. The company has emphasized that high snowfall rates and difficult road conditions are complicating restoration efforts, making it difficult for plows to keep roads clear for repair vehicles according to reports.

Eversource and National Grid are urging customers to report outages through their official websites or customer service lines to help streamline restoration efforts. In Dartmouth, for example, 2,606 customers are still without power, with 1,317 affected by a single outage near Smith Neck Road as reported. The company is advising customers who lose power to store food and medications properly and to use generators safely outdoors.

The current outage situation presents both challenges and opportunities for Eversource. On one hand, the storm has highlighted vulnerabilities in local infrastructure and the need for resilience investments. On the other, Eversource's proactive capital spending and five-year $26.5 billion investment plan demonstrate a long-term commitment to strengthening its network. In its 2025 earnings call, the company outlined its capital plan and emphasized operational resilience and regulatory collaboration as key themes for 2026 according to company reports.

Investors may view the recent outages as a test of Eversource's preparedness and ability to execute under pressure. While short-term storm costs and restoration delays could impact quarterly earnings, the company's long-term growth outlook remains intact. Eversource expects 2026 non-GAAP earnings to come in between $4.80 and $4.95 per share, with regulatory approvals and storm cost recovery playing a role in final results as reported.

For now, the focus remains on restoring power and ensuring public safety. Eversource has confirmed that it is leveraging its extensive fleet and pre-positioned resources to bring outages under control as quickly as possible. The company's ability to manage these outages and communicate effectively with customers will shape its reputation and investor confidence in the coming weeks and months.