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Eversource Installing New ‘Energy Release' Manhole Covers in Boston to Boost Safety

The company says it's already installed over 1,600 of the new covers in the Boston area

NBC Universal, Inc.

Energy provider Eversource is installing new manhole covers in the Boston area that the company says will help improve safety.

Eversource is installing what it calls "energy-release" manhole covers, that it says are designed to reduce the odds of a "serious incident" happening. The manhole covers are able to slightly lift, about three or four inches, before falling back into place.

The company says it's installed over 1,600 of the new covers in the Boston area. Its goal is to replace every manhole cover in the downtown area by the end of next year. Eventually, the goal is to replace all 6,000 covers in the city.

Incidents involving manholes have come up in recent months in the City of Boston, including in June when manhole explosions injured someone and shattered a nearby window.

The incident on High Street left a woman with burns and windows shattered. The 200-pound cover launched several feet into the air. Two weeks prior to that, firefighters responded to a series of manhole fires on Boylston Street.

“The goal is to keep the cover in place,” said Craig Hallstrom the President of Electric Operations for Eversource MA.

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