Power outage affects 2,000 Unitil customers in Concord due to utility pole fire
Power Outage Affects Nearly 2,000 Customers in Concord
A significant power outage impacted approximately 2,000 Unitil electric customers in Concord, New Hampshire, on Sunday afternoon. The disruption was potentially linked to a fire involving a utility pole in the North End of the city. The incident sparked concerns among residents and prompted emergency services to respond quickly.
The fire was first reported just before 4:30 p.m. when a resident on Prospect Street called Capital Region Fire Dispatch to alert them about a burning utility pole located behind homes in the neighborhood, near Horseshoe Pond. This came shortly after reports of power outages began surfacing in the North and West End areas.
Unitil later confirmed to fire dispatch that they believed the pole fire was the primary cause of the power outage. However, the exact cause of the fire remained unknown at the time of publication.
By around 4:30 p.m., 1,896 customers—approximately 2.3% of Unitil’s total customer base in the city—were without electricity. The outage affected a wide area, stretching from Swenson Avenue along North State Street to Fisk and Little Pond roads, Auburn Street, Ridge Road, and Penacook Street. Additionally, most of the region north of Washington Street, including areas surrounding White Park and the Old North Cemetery, experienced power loss. Some parts of downtown, particularly along North State Street, Centre Street, and Loudon Road near Bridge Street, were also impacted.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, with a battalion commander reporting visible smoke and informing dispatch that access to the pole near Horseshoe Pond would be possible. However, the location of the fire was not directly on Prospect Street, as initially reported.
The outage also caused disruptions beyond just the lack of electricity. For example, a tenant at the Capital Plaza Towers on Pitman Street was reportedly stuck in an elevator, according to scanner chatter. Furthermore, streetlights along North Main Street were out, adding to the challenges faced by residents.
Unitil provided updates on social media, stating that power restoration was expected to occur between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. Residents were advised to remain patient as crews worked to address the issue and restore service.
Impact on the Community
The power outage had a noticeable effect on daily life in Concord. Businesses, schools, and households in the affected areas were forced to adjust to the sudden loss of electricity. While some residents managed to cope with the situation, others expressed frustration over the inconvenience and uncertainty surrounding the outage.
Local authorities and utility companies worked closely to monitor the situation and ensure public safety. Emergency services were on standby to assist with any additional issues that might arise due to the power loss.
As the community awaits the return of full power, many are hoping for a swift resolution. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of reliable infrastructure and the need for prompt responses during unexpected events.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to report any further issues or concerns they may have. Updates from Unitil and local authorities will continue to be shared as more information becomes available.
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