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Proposed Western Massachusetts Natural Gas Reliability Project
A proposal to install, update and operate a steel main between a new point-of-delivery (POD) station in Longmeadow and the Bliss Street Regulator Station in Springfield.
Why Is This Work Being Done?
This update is designed to improve reliability and strengthen the existing natural gas system for the Greater Springfield area's natural gas customers. This includes protecting against a loss of service during the coldest times of the year.
The proposed project will also reduce the chance of gas service interruptions during periods of maintenance or an unexpected disruption.
If an interruption were to occur on the current system, the work to restore service to all 53,000 customers could take one to two months. The largest outages in Western Massachusetts have impacted several hundred customers with restoration taking less than one week.
The purpose of this project is to strengthen the reliability of gas service to existing customers; no new customers will be served in association with this project.
Our environmental responsibilities are paramount to the Western Massachusetts Natural Gas Reliability Project, and we are working diligently to comply with all the necessary requirements in accordance with Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act's (MEPA) request for a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Report (SDEIR).
We will continue working with our regulators and local stakeholders to meet all requirements of the process, particularly as it relates to environmental justice. Our proposed design minimizes new, above-ground infrastructure within Environmental Justice communities and interconnects with existing facilities at the Bliss Street Regulator Station in Springfield.
Where Is the Work Being Proposed?
The new line would be constructed underground in state and local streets between the new Longmeadow POD Station and the existing Eversource Bliss Street Regulator Station in Springfield. We have identified many potential alternatives for locating the pipeline between the Longmeadow POD and Bliss Street Regular Station.
Watch a 24-minute “Virtual Site Tour” of the proposed route, noticed route alternatives and route variations.
How much will the project cost?
Estimated bill impacts for any project are not available until construction is complete, the project is in service and cost recovery is allowed by the Department of Public Utilities. Importantly, those potential future bill impacts are not specific to any one project and are inclusive of all projects or investments included at the time of the next base distribution rate review. Such project costs would be collected from all Eversource Gas of Massachusetts customers over the useful life of the project and spread over a long period of time, minimizing monthly bill impacts for customers.
The estimated project cost is $85 million, based on the current cost of materials, equipment and labor. As with any construction project, those costs can change over time as external market forces impact the costs of those materials. Project costs will be a topic of review before the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB).
Get a virtual site tour of the proposed route, noticed route alternatives and route variations.
Community Outreach
We're committed to continuing our collaborative working partnership with local communities, municipal leaders and other interested stakeholders to provide information on the project, gather feedback and answer any questions or concerns. All files are in PDF format unless noted otherwise.
We held our latest project informational and listening session on August 7, 2025, at UMass Center at Tower Square. This event, along with a previous in-person session on December 5, 2023, gave residents the opportunity to learn about the project and ask questions directly to Eversource employees and contractors involved in the proposal.
- Watch a video of the August 7, 2025 listening session (YouTube)
- August 7, 2025 event presentation
- December 5, 2023 open house presentation
In March, April and May of 2022, we conducted a number of pop-up events at local markets and public places to solicit input from the community. We've also published details about the proposal in local publications. The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office conducted an in-person site tour and a virtual public consultation session on June 21, 2022.
- MEPA site tour and public consultation session presentation
- June 21, 2022 MEPA virtual public consultation session (YouTube)
We also conducted virtual open houses on November 9 and 10, 2021, to give local residents and business owners an opportunity to learn more about the proposed project with subject matter experts, ask questions and provide comments.
- See the open house presentation
- Watch the November 9, 2021 recording (YouTube)
- Watch the November 10, 2021 recording (YouTube)
Regulatory Approval Process
The project is under review by two state regulatory authorities, the MEPA office and the EFSB.
We filed the Draft Environmental Impact Review (DEIR) on May 1, 2023 with the MEPA office. In July, the MEPA office requested that Eversource file a supplement to the DEIR. We anticipate filing a SDEIR at the end of 2025.
We also filed a petition with the EFSB on May 26, 2022. The decision lies with the EFSB to determine which potential routing option best suits the area while, at the same time, adequately addressing the identified system reliability needs.
The EFSB will also evaluate alternatives to the project including, but not limited to, electrification and alternative POD locations. More information about these alternatives can be found EFSB Filing, Section 3 Alternatives. The EFSB siting process includes both public and evidentiary hearings. The public and other interested stakeholders are given the opportunity to participate in the siting process through the EFSB-sponsored public hearings.
Owners of property abutting and near the proposed project and project routes will be informed of the public hearing date(s) and are encouraged to participate. The regulatory process also requires approval from local, state and federal permitting agencies, including environmental agencies.
More information about the filing siting process is available at mass.gov.
Have Questions?
Keeping the lines of communication open is an important part of our work in your community.
For more information about this project, please call the project information hotline at 1-833-836-0302 or email ProjectInfoMA@eversource.com.
More Eversource Projects
We are constantly working on projects to enhance reliability and resiliency.