Beginning in August, Asplundh Tree Company will be performing work on behalf of National Grid. Crews throughout town will be cutting, clearing, pruning and removing trees around electrical transmission lines. The work is expected to last into mid September. Any questions should be directed to National Grid Arborist David W. Donaghue at 508-482-1242.
Consistently underperforming feeders are ranked by DPU in a category called "Poor Performing Circuits." The ranking system allows DPU to monitor the feeders and address reliability issues they may be having.
The report also addresses the amount of time Franklin residents were without power in those years. In 2010, the report says, the average Franklin resident lost electricity more frequently than any other National Grid customer in the state.
Last year, Franklin residents were without power longer than the average customer — 2.5 days compared to 1.5 days — in part due to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene.
Please be advised that on Friday, May 18th, National Grid will be conducting low-level distribution and sub-transmission helicopter patrols in the area. In case of inclement weather the patrols will be postponed until a later date.
Franklin Fire Chief Gary McCarraher said that as of this afternoon, 40 to 50 percent of Franklin is without power and his main concern has been ensuring residents have access to food and water.
"The sewer and water system is functioning as designed, which is a blessing," said McCarraher. "The downtown Franklin restaurants are all open for business...We're pretty confident our people can get access to food."
Residents without water can head to the Department of Public Works, at 257 Fisher St., or either fire station - 40 West Central St., or 600 King St. - with their own containers for water.
Most of the traffic lights along Rte. 140 in Franklin are out, and stop signs affixed to barrels are set up at the intersections instead. McCarraher said he is meeting with National Grid, but that the DPW has opened all roads that are free of debris and downed wires.
Although National Grid is working as fast as they can to restore power, it still is frustrating to some residents.
