BERLIN, Conn. — Eversource announced on Tuesday that it will continue improvements to the area’s electric system and support the interconnection of new clean energy resources and increased electrification by launching the Southington to Black Pond Junction Structure Replacement Project.
In a release, the energy provider serving Connecticut said that aging transmission infrastructure within the utility right of way will be substituted out with stronger steel structures, “making the electric grid more resilient to increasing extreme weather caused by climate change and improving reliability for customers throughout the region.”
Eversource President of Transmission and Offshore Wind Projects Bill Quinlan said in the release that the transmission system is the “superhighway of the electric grid” and that thoughtful, strategic upgrades are necessary to keep offering customers safe, reliable service.
“These structures support high-voltage lines that deliver power to millions of customers throughout the region, and by replacing these structures with ones made of more durable material, we’re able to modernize and strengthen the electric grid to ensure that customers have the power they need as electric demand increases in the coming years and as climate change continues to pose a threat to reliability,” Quinlan said in the release.
To complete the project, crews must upgrade around 30 existing transmission structures in Berlin, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown and Southington.
According to the release, work began on Monday, and the project will be complete by early next year. Construction will occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, on Eversource-owned property or within the existing utility right of way, weather permitting, the energy provider said.
“Eversource continues to work closely with state agencies, community leaders and property owners where the project is being done,” Eversource said in the release. “The work will not interrupt electric service for customers, and the company is providing regular updates to those local stakeholders.”
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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