Eversource crews work to restore power nearly 48 hours after Independence Day storm

HADDAM, Conn. — Thousands of Connecticut residents remained without power Monday, nearly 48 hours after a storm struck the state on Independence Day, as Eversource crews worked through rain to restore electricity across the region.

Dan Stevens, a chief lineman with Eversource with nearly 25 years of experience, said his team was on standby before the storm hit July 4, anticipating a significant weather event. Stevens and his crew were working in rural Haddam on Monday, restoring power to thousands of customers.

Crews ask for patience

Stevens said the work is demanding under normal conditions and becomes more difficult in the rain. Some crew members have been working 16-hour shifts. Downed trees and power lines across the state have created a continuous workload — with new jobs opening as others are completed.

“Have some patience,” Stevens said. “If you see somebody, good chance they’re not from this area so just have some patience. We know the first couple days everyone plays nice, and then as it progresses, 4-5 days into it people get impatient. But just hang in there and have a little patience, we all want the same thing here.”

Out-of-state help arrives

Eversource has brought in crews from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Canada to assist with restoration efforts in Connecticut.

As of Monday, 98 percent of Eversource customers had power restored. The company said it hopes to have power back for nearly all remaining customers by Tuesday night.