BERLIN, Conn. (March 7, 2024) – With electrification playing a vital role in achieving Connecticut’s clean energy goals, Eversource is thoughtfully upgrading the electric system, investing in innovative technology that supports the grid of the future and makes the system more resilient to extreme weather and other issues caused by climate change. The completion of the $190 million Eastern Connecticut Reliability Program – a suite of upgrades to the electric grid – marks a milestone in that effort. The collection of projects, which includes infrastructure improvements to local substations and transmission lines, enhance system reliability and communication between substations to better serve customers. 

“Upgrading our transmission system is essential for delivering clean energy and maintaining reliable electric service for millions of customers today and well into the future,” said Eversource President of Transmission and Offshore Wind Projects, Bill Quinlan. “As an industry leader with a strong commitment to sustainability, we’re always looking for ways to use cutting-edge technology that can help reduce our carbon footprint. As part of this suite of projects, I’m proud to say we installed the first clean air breaker in the U.S. to be used with the 115 kV transmission system, which eliminates the use of a potent greenhouse gas and is a critical piece of substation equipment used to interrupt any short circuits or system overloads.”

 

The group of reliability projects in Montville, Ledyard, Preston, Stonington, North Stonington, Lebanon and Killingly are all complete. They include upgrades at five substations, converting lower voltage transmission lines to 115 kV lines, installing new communication wire to enhance coordination between substations and replacing existing transmission towers with stronger steel structures.

Among other highlights, the upgrades include the installation of the first clean air circuit-breaker at Eversource’s substation in Preston. Circuit breakers are important safety devices that help protect the system from damage by an overcurrent, and the innovative clean air breaker eliminates significant volumes of SF6 – a greenhouse gas widely relied on for insulation of high-voltage switches in transmission systems across the country – while also maintaining reliability. Additionally, a synchronous condenser was installed at a North Stonington substation – the first of this technology in Connecticut. The synchronous condenser supports system reliability by providing dynamic voltage control in order to reduce the likelihood of outages in certain situations while meeting specific needs of the transmission system for the region.  

Learn more about major projects in Connecticut, including the Eastern Connecticut Reliability Project.

CONTACT:

Tricia Taskey Modifica

860-665-4605

Jamie Ratliff

(860) 665-6056