Eversource to replace thousands of manhole covers after explosions

Energy provider Eversource is working to replace the 40,000 or so manhole covers in Massachusetts with safer ones, after several explosions sent people to the hospital with injuries this summer.

The new covers use an "energy-release" design that lifts about 3 to 4 inches when pressure builds, but then two latches on the rim catch the cover and put it back into place. Traditional manhole covers don't have these safety latches, and have been seen to go hurtling into the air.

That's what happened in June when multiple explosions injured a woman.

Then, in July, another series of explosions sent two Eversource workers to the hospital.

Eversource has already replaced about 1,600 manhole covers in and around Boston, according to a statement from the company.

The energy provider says its goal is to replace all 6,000 manhole covers in downtown by the end of 2023. Then, it will work on replacements in other parts of the state, Eversource spokesman Chris McKinnon said.

"Our focus is on enhancing the safety of our system," McKinnon said.

The pace at which the company will replace its manhole covers will depend in part on how quickly its sole manufacturer can supply them.

Part of its safety improvements also include piloting manhole atmosphere sensors, scanning for stray voltage, and performing routine maintenance and inspections across the system.

McKinnon told WBUR Thursday that he couldn’t say how much the replacements would cost or whether customers would swallow the cost through higher rates.

With reporting from WBUR's Dave Faneuf.