Council waives winter moratorium so Eversource can replace utility poles; members seek stronger oversight on pavement repairs

The Somersworth City Council voted Jan. 6 to waive the city’s winter excavation and paving moratorium so Public Service Company of New Hampshire, doing business as Eversource Energy, can replace eight existing poles at six locations across the city.

Councilors said several of the pole replacements are tied to an active housing development on Green Street and that others are described in company materials as degraded poles that could affect safety and reliability. The council heard from Public Works Director Babinski that three or four of the identified poles are off the roadway shoulder; two are in pavement. The company asked to do some work now to coordinate with ongoing construction at 85 Elm Street, where higher poles and additional transformer capacity are needed.

Council members asked whether the city could use the waiver to press the utility to remove longstanding double poles and complete permanent pavement repairs promptly. Public Works Director Babinski and the city manager said the city can require trench permits, performance bonds and a complete-patch specification that would follow initial temporary repairs. The manager said staff would enforce bond conditions and could call the bond to complete repairs if the utility fails to restore pavement.

Councilor Paul Goodwin moved to waive the moratorium; Councilor Kenneth S. Vincent seconded. After discussion, the council approved the waiver by roll call with some members noting hesitation about how previous work was executed but saying the permitting and bond conditions provide leverage.

Council vote: Waiver of excavation and paving moratorium for Public Service Company of New Hampshire (Eversource) — adopted by roll call.