Power-Grid Upgrade Gets Initial OK

Power-Grid Upgrade Gets Initial OK

Dec 24 - Boston Herald

The reliability of Boston's electric system could be improved under a massive transmission-line upgrade given preliminary approval yesterday by regulators.

Staff at the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board endorsed an Nstar plan to build a nearly 18-mile, $217 million transmission line, stretching from Stoughton to the Hub, in what industry officials say is a critical move to improve the area's grid system.

The full siting board will take up the issue next month.

The underground, 345,000-volt transmission plan has attracted nervous attention from abutters and towns worried about construction disruptions and the proximity of such powerful lines.

Other towns, such as Canton, stand to gain big from the project, due to possible road upgrades and additional property tax revenue.

Thomas J. May, chief executive of Nstar, hailed the staff recommendation as a major step toward ensuring a reliable electric system in Greater Boston. "The tentative approval of this line is great news," he said in a statement.

In its 160-page report, the siting board staff said the current grid is inadequate and "additional energy resources are needed."

Nstar's analysis shows that "thermal overloads in Downtown Boston" could occur as early as 2006 if upgrades aren't done. Construction on the project would start next year if approved by the siting board.

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