Eversource energizes 13-mile high-load transmission line

Work crews followed strict safety precautions, including practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings and using enhanced sanitation practices. (Courtesy photo).

MANCHESTER- Eversource announced today it has completed construction of the Seacoast Reliability Project, a 13-mile 115 kV transmission line that will help to ensure the continued delivery of reliable power communities and businesses throughout the region depend on. The SRP was put online Friday, a milestone that marks the completion of a suite of projects selected by New England's independent system operator to address the urgent need for additional transmission capacity in the Seacoast region.

"With many people continuing to work and learn from home, the safe and reliable delivery of power has never been more essential than it is during these uncertain times," said Eversource President of Transmission Bill Quinlan. "The completion of the Seacoast Reliability Project is an exciting development in our efforts to serve our Seacoast customers and to support economic growth in the future. As restoration and landscaping continue through the spring and summer, we will maintain close communication and collaboration with our host communities, property owners and businesses while adhering to social distancing and other best practices to safeguard health and prevent the spread of COVID-19."

"We're pleased the project is winding to a successful close," said Durham Town Administrator Todd Selig. "Construction has proceeded according to schedule and Eversource representatives have endeavored to work cooperatively with town officials in order to mitigate local impacts to the extent reasonably practical for a regionally significant project of this size, scope, and duration."

The SRP was constructed almost completely within existing rights of way between substations in Madbury and Portsmouth. Eversource invested more than $126 million to construct the project and bolster regional infrastructure--delivering direct benefits to Seacoast customers including enhanced system reliability and property tax payments to host communities. In addition to working closely with local officials, residents, businesses, environmental groups and other stakeholders throughout construction, Eversource followed guidelines established in construction agreements and discussions with Durham, Madbury, Newington, Portsmouth and UNH.

"Environmental impacts to the Great Bay ultimately were shown to be in accordance with the NHDES-approved monitoring plan and demonstrated compliance with N.H. SEC permit conditions," added Selig. "The results of the extensive water quality sampling program undertaken by Eversource's environmental monitoring consultants demonstrated that state water quality standards were attained for all parameters and indicate that ecological impacts during construction were negligible."

As the energy company's crews and contractors work to complete final construction activities, including environmental monitoring and reporting, they are continuing to follow strict safety precautions, including practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings and using enhanced sanitation practices.

"We are grateful to our host communities for their input and partnership throughout the planning process, as well as their understanding and patience as we work together to serve the public during the pandemic," said Quinlan. "We remain committed to being a good neighbor and environmental steward as this project continues to deliver benefits to the Seacoast for years to come."

For more information about the Seacoast Reliability Project, visit Eversource.com, call 888-926-5334 or email nhprojectsinfo@eversource.com with any questions.