Eversource Energy representatives updated the Planning Board on progress and plans related to their Merrimack Reliability Project.
Northeast Utilities became Eversource Energy on Feb. 2. Public Service Company of New Hampshire (PSNH) is among the subsidiaries of Northeast Utilities that is now operating under the name Eversource.
The purpose of the 345-kV (kilovolt) line project is to address a growing demand for electricity in the region, preventing potential overloads on existing transmission lines, Eversource Project Manager Suzanne Findlen told the Board at their April 1 meeting.
The new, 24 mile overhead transmission line will run from the Scobie Pond Substation in Londonderry to Tewksbury, Mass., passing through Hudson, Windham and Pelham. A total of 18.1 miles of the transmission line will run through New Hampshire, with 8.1 of those miles to run through Londonderry.
All work is to be completed in the existing utility right-of-way, and no additional land or easements will be required, Findlen said.
Work in Londonderry is expected to include the construction of about 75 new structures, with the average height anticipated to be 90 feet above ground. The three tallest poles built in Londonderry are proposed to be 106 feet.
The total cost of the project is $123 million, with $31.5 million to be invested in infrastructure installed in Londonderry.
The project will include clearing in the utility corridor and the installation of additional towers from the Hudson town line toward Wiley Hill Road, as well as north from Wiley Hill Road toward the Scobie Pond Substation.
“We’ve come quite a way in terms of engineering for the project,” Findlen said, noting the utility has a plan for how many additional structures will have to be constructed, and where they will be located.
But the project is still in the early stages, and engineering will be ongoing until the permitting process concludes.
Member Leitha Reilly asked Eversource representatives how the transmission project will benefit Londonderry, specifically.
David Plante, lead project manager for transmission projects, told Reilly the Town is a participant in the regional transmission system.
“We can’t say Londonderry will see a decrease in rates or there will be specific reliability changes to any specific distribution circuit in the town,” he said.
Member Ann Chiampa asked about electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from the overhead transmission line.
Findlen said they plan to have two EMF experts at their open house to address any questions residents may have.
Eversource presented a general overview of the transmission line project to the Town Council in November, and plans to meet with the Council again this month to share a more in-depth look at their plans.
Additionally, Findlen said there will be many opportunities for members of the public to gather information about the transmission line project and provide input.
Before filing an application for the project with the New Hampshire Site Evaluation Commission (NHSEC), Findlen said Eversource will host a public open house with a formal informational session in Londonderry on May 6.
Additionally, Eversource and National Grid must hold a joint public information session in each affected county within 45 days after their application is filed; then, the SEC will hold additional public hearings within 90 days of their application’s being accepted.
“Our goal is to do as much outreach as necessary to make sure everyone knows what the project is all about,” Findlen said.
Eversource plans to file for federal permits and with the NHSEC in the spring.
If regulatory approvals are granted and construction begins in the fall of 2016, the new transmission line could be in service by the fall of 2017.
More information related to the Merrimack Valley Reliability Project is available online at www.MA-NHsolution.com. Specific questions or concerns may be directed to Findlen by email at suzanne.findlen@eversource.com.