HARTFORD, Conn. and BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eversource Energy (NYSE: ES) today reported earnings of $346.3 million, or $1.01 per share, in the third quarter of 2020, compared with earnings of $318.9 million, or $0.98 per share, in the third quarter of 2019. In the first nine months of 2020, Eversource Energy earned $933.2 million, or $2.76 per share, compared with earnings of $659 million, or $2.05 per share, in the first nine months of 2019.

Results for the first nine months of 2019 included an after-tax impairment charge of $204.4 million, or $0.64 per share, related to Eversource Energy’s investment in the Northern Pass Transmission (NPT) project. Excluding that impairment charge, Eversource Energy earned $863.4 million, or $2.69 per share, in the first nine months of 2019.

Eversource Energy also today reaffirmed both its 2020 earnings per share (EPS) projection of $3.60 to $3.70 per share, excluding costs related to the recently completed acquisition of assets of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, and its long-term EPS growth rate from its core regulated businesses.

“The past few months have been one of the most challenging periods we have ever experienced as a result of extreme late summer weather compounded by drought conditions. Beginning with Tropical Storm Isaias and continuing with tornadoes in south central Connecticut and a damaging wind storm in early October, our crews have been working tirelessly and safely, ensuring that our 4.3 million customers receive the high level of service they expect and deserve,” said Jim Judge, Eversource chairman, president and chief executive officer. “I cannot thank our Eversource first responders enough for their outstanding work throughout this pandemic-challenged year. I’m also grateful to our customers for their patience and understanding while our line crews and hundreds of other Eversource employees have worked around the clock on their behalf.”

Electric Distribution

Eversource Energy’s electric distribution segment earned $205.5 million in the third quarter of 2020 and $450.6 million in the first nine months of 2020, compared with earnings of $197.3 million in the third quarter of 2019 and $422.7 million in the first nine months of 2019. Third quarter and year-to-date results reflect higher revenues, offset in part by higher operation and maintenance expense, due largely to higher storm restoration costs, as well as higher depreciation and interest.

Electric Transmission

Eversource Energy’s transmission segment earned $125.6 million in the third quarter of 2020 and $381.8 million in the first nine months of 2020, compared with earnings of $107.5 million in the third quarter of 2019 and earnings of $342.8 million1 in the first nine months of 2019, excluding the NPT impairment charge noted above. Aside from the NPT impairment charge, transmission segment results improved due to a higher level of investment in Eversource’s electric transmission system.

Natural Gas Distribution

Eversource Energy’s natural gas distribution segment lost $14 million in the third quarter of 2020 and earned $73.8 million in the first nine months of 2020, compared with a $17.1 million loss in the third quarter of 2019 and earnings of $57.6 million in the first nine months of 2019. Improved results were due to higher revenues, partially offset by higher depreciation, operation and maintenance and property tax expense.

Water Distribution

Eversource’s Aquarion Water Company subsidiary earned $23.1 million in the third quarter of 2020 and $35.6 million in the first nine months of 2020, compared with earnings of $17.5 million in the third quarter of 2019 and $26.3 million in the first nine months of 2019. Improved results were primarily due to gains on the sale of the Hingham, Massachusetts water distribution system and on a sale of land and lower interest expense.

Eversource Parent and Other Companies

Eversource Energy parent and other companies earned $6.1 million in the third quarter of 2020 and lost $8.6 million in the first nine months of 2020, compared with earnings of $13.7 million in the third quarter of 2019 and $14 million in the first nine months of 2019. The 2020 results include after-tax charges of $5.3 million in the third quarter and $12.8 million in the first nine months related to Eversource Energy’s acquisition of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts’ assets. Excluding Columbia Gas impacts, lower nine months 2020 results reflect lower mark-to-market earnings on an unregulated clean energy investment.

Eversource Energy has approximately 343 million common shares outstanding and operates New England’s largest energy delivery system. It serves approximately 4.3 million electric, natural gas and water customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.