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Cape Cod Solution Phase 1: Mid-Cape Reliability
Phase I was completed on time, on budget, and in full compliance with all regulations – celebrated with a ribbon-cutting that brought together project partners and community supporters on May 22.
Why Are We Doing This Project?
This project is the first phase of the Cape Cod Solution Program, a group of projects designed to improve the reliability of the electric system serving the Southeastern Massachusetts and Greater Cape Cod areas both today and in the future as more clean energy resources like offshore wind are connected to the grid.
Where Is This Work Being Done?
The new line was constructed between the Bourne Switching Station and West Barnstable Substation. This project also includes an expansion of the western side of the West Barnstable Substation.
The route runs approximately 13 miles within an existing right of way (power line corridor), passing through portions of Bourne, Sandwich and Barnstable.
Traffic Management Plans
About this project
- Route length: 13 miles
- Line voltage: 115,000-volt (115-kV) transmission line
- Siting review by: Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB)
- Public open houses: July 29 and 30, 2019
- EFSB approval: December 16, 2022
- Start of construction: First quarter 2023
- In-service date: May 9, 2024
Construction Updates
At the end of January, the construction team utilized helicopters to connect a new transmission line to the local grid. The project went into service on May 9. This new line will initially operate at 115 kV but can be increased to 345 kV during Phase II of the project to enable an offshore wind farm to interconnect to the grid.
Bourne
All work in Bourne takes place in the power line corridor within Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC). Crews will be maintaining erosion and sediment controls along the powerline corridor as needed.
Week of May 27
Bourne Substation
- No work related to Phase I of the Cape Cod Solution was completed at the Bourne Substation.
Between Bourne Substation and Route 130
- Crews continued to restore and stabilize areas previously disturbed by construction.
Week of June 3
Bourne Substation
- No work related to Phase I of the Cape Cod Solution is currently scheduled.
Between Bourne Substation and Route 130
- Crews intend to restore and stabilize areas previously disturbed by construction.
Sandwich
Crews will be maintaining erosion and sediment controls along the powerline corridor as needed.
Week of May 27
Between Route 130 and Quaker Meetinghouse Road
- Crews continue to restore and stabilize areas previously disturbed by construction.
- Crews provided final adjustments to the new transmission structures ahead of final restoration activities.
Between Quaker Meetinghouse Road and Mill Road
- Crews continued to restore and stabilize areas previously disturbed by construction.
- Crews provided final adjustments to the new transmission structures ahead of final restoration activities.
Between Mill Road and Barnstable Town Line
- Crews continued to restore and stabilize areas previously disturbed by construction.
- Crews provided final adjustments to the new transmission structures ahead of final restoration activities.
Week of June 3
Between Route 130 and Quaker Meetinghouse Road
- Crews intend to continue to restore and stabilize areas previously disturbed by construction.
Between Quaker Meetinghouse Road and Mill Road
- Crews intend to continue to restore and stabilize areas previously disturbed by construction.
Between Mill Road and Barnstable Town Line
- Crews intend to continue to restore and stabilize areas previously disturbed by construction.
Barnstable
Crews will be maintaining erosion and sediment controls along the powerline corridor as needed.
Week of May 27
Between Barnstable Town Line and Route 149
- Crews continued to restore and stabilize areas previously disturbed by construction.
- Crews provided final adjustments to the new transmission structures ahead of final restoration activities.
Between Route 149 and Oak Street
- Crews continued to restore and stabilize areas previously disturbed by construction.
- Crews provided final adjustments to the new transmission structures ahead of final restoration activities.
West Barnstable and Oak Street Substations
- Crews continued the installation of new equipment to complete the interconnection of the new transmission line within the West Barnstable Substation.
- Crews continued the installation of the new distribution line.
- Crews continued to restore and stabilize areas previously disturbed by construction.
Week of June 3
Between the Barnstable Town Line and Route 149
- Crews intend to continue to restore and stabilize areas previously disturbed by construction.
Between Route 149 and Oak Street
- Crews began to restore and stabilize areas previously disturbed by construction.
West Barnstable and Oak Street Substations
- Crews intend to continue the installation of new equipment to complete the interconnection of the new transmission line within the West Barnstable Substation.
- Crews intend to continue the installation of the new distribution line.
Siting Review
On November 8, 2019, we filed the below documents with the EFSB for approval to construct and operate the new transmission line:
- EFSB Petition Vol. I
- EFSB Petition Vol. II
- EFSB Petition Vol. III
- EFSB Sec. 69 Petition
- DPU Sec. 72 Petition
- DPU Sec. 72 Petition, Attachment A
- DPU Zoning Petition
- DPU Zoning Petition, Attachment A
- DPU Zoning Petition, Attachment B
- DPU Zoning Petition, Attachment C
- DPU Zoning Petition, Attachment D
- Other filing Documents
Through the EFSB process public and other interested stakeholders were given the opportunity to participate through the EFSB-sponsored public hearing. Owners of property abutting and near the project were informed of the EFSB Public Comment Hearing held virtually on June 10, 2020.
The EFSB conducted a remote Siting Board Meeting via Zoom on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 1 p.m. to vote on whether to approve, approve with conditions or reject the project. The EFSB’s Final Decision to approve the project was issued on December 16, 2022.
To learn more about the siting process and how to participate, visit the EFSB website.
Community Outreach
We will continue to engage with town officials, residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders through municipal briefings, door-to-door outreach, site visits and additional meetings as needed – answering questions and listening to concerns about the project. We will also maintain an active field presence during construction.
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.