Eversource Says Grid Project Benefits Region

A new 345-kilovolt (Kv) transmission line was recently installed in a 75 mile area in Connecticut, Central Massachusetts and Rhode Island as part of a joint venture between Eversource and National Grid.

Although the project, known as the Interstate Reliability Project, was not routed through this area Eversource spokesman Mke Durand says it will provide benefits for the entire region, including the Southcoast, especially as coal plants like like Brayton Point Power Station and nuclear plants like Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station are shutting down.

"The reason this is so important, even for us down here in Southeastern Massachusetts, is because particularly with power plants scheduled to go off line, this new transmission line is going to make connections to power plants that doesn't currently exist so we're able to improve the reliability for everyone in the region," said Durand.

Durand says those improved connections could potentially mean lower prices for Southcoast customers, as they could link the grid to less costly energy sources.

"Now you're putting power into the grid that is less costly, so when it comes time for, say for Eversource, to go out to bid for power for our customers, if that's in play, we have a better chance of getting a better price," said Durand.

Durand says the project, which included station upgrades, is currently operational and that the regional benefits of the project will increase over time.