Innovative rebuild of regional electric grid will enhance resiliency and reliability of system for customers while supporting clean energy future in New England

BOSTON, Mass. (May 22, 2024) - As Cape Cod communities lead the way in facilitating the delivery of clean energy to homes and businesses across New England by supporting the infrastructure needed to connect offshore wind projects to the grid, Eversource is pleased to announce the completion of Phase I of the Cape Cod Solution. Currently one of only two transmission projects underway in New England that will allow for the interconnection of offshore wind, the Cape Cod Solution will enhance reliability for customers, make the system more resilient to storms and other extreme weather, and help meet the commonwealth’s and region’s decarbonization goals while supporting the electrification of the transportation and heating sectors.

This co-optimized, multi-phase transmission program involved several components, including the expansion of Eversource’s West Barnstable substation and the installation of an approximately 12.5-mile transmission line. These lines are built with future electric and clean energy interconnection needs in mind, initially operating at 115 kV to immediately enhance service reliability for customers with the capability to increase capacity to 345 kV for the interconnection of clean energy from offshore wind farms as they come online. This initiative improves electric reliability efficiently and cost-effectively on Cape Cod and makes the transmission system more resilient to increasingly extreme weather caused by climate change.

Eversource President of Transmission and Offshore Wind Projects Bill Quinlan

“The Cape Cod Solution will deliver significant reliability and clean energy benefits to our customers, and we are excited to announce that the first phase of this groundbreaking project has been completed on time and on budget,” said Eversource President of Transmission and Offshore Wind Projects Bill Quinlan. “In addition to building a more reliable and resilient transmission system in an area known for its vulnerability to severe weather, this project also establishes a strong foundation for interconnecting more clean energy resources to the electric grid. This approach underscores our commitment to minimizing impacts to the environment and surrounding communities as we support the clean energy transition through our industry-leading infrastructure projects.”

As additional phases of the Cape Cod Solution proceed in the years ahead, Eversource will continue making transmission system upgrades to existing equipment and substations, recognizing the historic amount of offshore wind expected to require interconnection. The Cape Cod Solution will be a cornerstone of the regional transmission system, delivering offshore wind-generated power to Massachusetts and the rest of New England while helping to meet decarbonization and electrification goals.

Phase I of the Cape Cod Solution supported approximately 125 full-time employees and over 300 total employees, including members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Locals 104 & 223, Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 369 and Members of the Massachusetts Building Trades Council.

Additional information about the project is available on the company’s Cape Cod Solution web page. More information on the energy company’s year-round work to strengthen and modernize the electric system for customers can be found on the reliability page of Eversource's website. Watch the livestream of the ribbon cutting event on Eversource MA's Facebook page.

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2024 and recognized as a Five-Year Champion, appearing in every edition of the list. Celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, Eversource transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to 1.8 million customers throughout Massachusetts, including approximately 1.47 million electric customers in 140 communities, 639,000 gas customers in 117 communities, and 11,500 water customers in five communities. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,900 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like a first-in-the-nation networked geothermal pilot project, solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.