Eversource memo: 26 unplanned outages near Magoun Square; utility plans 4 kV → 13.8 kV conversion within 10 years

Committee members reviewed a memo provided by Bill Fisher (director of emergency management) summarizing material from Jason Wright, Eversource community‑relations representative, about repeated power outages near Magoun Square.

The memo identified 26 unplanned outages in the time frame cited and said two distribution circuits feeding Magoun Square accounted for most unplanned interruptions. Eversource told the city that one 4 kV circuit has experienced several equipment failures and is on a conversion plan to be upgraded to 13.8 kV over the next 10 years. The memo said primary and secondary cable will be replaced along with switches and other equipment as part of that conversion; in the interim, several cable sections and switches have already been replaced to improve reliability and restore service more quickly when outages occur.

Councilor Syed Wilson Burnley and other members pressed for a more specific timetable, noting that a 10‑year window leaves residents exposed if outages recur annually. "Ten years is a pretty broad window, and having annual outages there for 10 years...would not be something the folks in Magoun are eager about," one councilor said. Committee members asked staff to seek a clearer schedule from Eversource and to consider inviting the utility’s community‑relations representative to a future meeting.

The committee left the item open for follow‑up to obtain a more concrete timeline from Eversource; staff noted they would pursue additional details by memo or return appearance rather than immediately bringing Eversource to committee.