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UCMP Brighton to Electric Avenue
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Why Are We Doing This Project?
As part of our ongoing commitment to deliver reliable energy and superior service to our customers, we are proposing replacement of an existing 115-kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Brighton. The existing transmission lines are high pressure fluid-filled (HPFF), and the replacement lines will be solid dielectric cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE).
We routinely evaluate the condition of our infrastructure to provide reliable electric service to the community. The existing transmission lines were installed between 1967 and 1970 and is nearing the end of its design life expectancy.
The proposed transmission system improvements proactively increase system reliability by:
- Mitigating the risk of potential supply obsolescence and upgrade to a system technology with a greater life expectancy.
- Reducing occurrence of unplanned outages which may require the need for emergency replacement/repair.
- Eliminating the risk of oil leaks from existing HPFF cables.
- Potentially increasing line capacity for future load growth.
These improvements will help Massachusetts achieve its net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. The proposed project is part of our larger Underground Cable Modernization Program (UCMP) we are conducting throughout our service territory in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Where Is This Work Being Done?
*Click map to enlarge
The proposed underground transmission lines targeted for upgrades run from the Brighton substation at 350 Lincoln Street to the Electric Avenue substation at 40 Electric Avenue.
We are proposing replacement lines that would follow the same route as the existing lines, where feasible. We welcome and appreciate the opportunity to integrate feedback into the routing.
Once the new lines are installed, the existing HPFF transmission lines will be retired.
Our underground projects have three distinct phases of construction. Additional efforts may be required depending on subsurface conditions and other project requirements. Learn more about our underground construction process.
Neighbors can expect crews to move along the route until the construction is complete. Commuters can expect temporary impacts to traffic and associated sounds of construction throughout the project route. Updates will be listed on this page throughout construction and restoration.
About this project
- Route length: Approximately 1.3 miles
- Line voltage: 115 kilovolts (kV)
- Siting review by: Department of Public Utilities (DPU)
- Public open house: 2025
When Is The Work Being Done?
- Filing with the DPU: Expected Q4 2025*
- Start of construction: Q1 2027*
- Estimated in-service date: Q4 2029*
*Subject to change, pending necessary approvals
Siting Review
We will be submitting a 72D filing with the State Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Environmental permits will also be required from local, state and federal agencies. Following DPU approval, stakeholders will be notified before construction crews are mobilized.
Community Outreach
We're committed to engaging city officials, residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders about project activities through municipal briefings, mailings, virtual meetings and door-to-door outreach.
We are committed to providing meaningful opportunities to participate in the project development process, and to incorporate local feedback into the project’s development as feasible.
Project information is available in Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole and other languages upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this project impact my electric bill?
The delivery charge of your bill is made of three components, of which transmission is one. The Brighton to Electric Avenue Underground Cable Modernization Project is a transmission project. Transmission is the cost of building, maintaining and operating the regional transmission system including lines and substations,that brings electricity from power generators to the network of power lines and equipment that brings power to your homes and businesses.
These charges are federally regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity.
Learn more information about understanding your bill.
Will this project impact the environment?
Eversource is committed to fully complying with all applicable review and approval processes for transmission projects, including regional as well as local, state and federal environmental and land use reviews and permitting processes.
Temporary impacts to soil are expected as part of the construction phase of the project. The environmental team will install necessary environmental protection during the pre-construction phase and will closely monitor activity during construction.
Will any trees be removed or impacted as part of this project?
What steps will Eversource take to mitigate anticipated construction impacts?
Eversource coordinates closely with the City of Boston to reduce disruptions, taking measures that include:
- Traffic & Parking: City-approved traffic management plans to address impacts on vehicles, pedestrians and equipment storage.
- Noise & Dust Control: City-regulated noise limits and dust suppression methods such as debris chutes, covered dumpsters, water sweeping, and vacuum street cleaning.
- Rodent Control: Measures to prevent and manage increased rodent activity.
- Water Protection: Erosion control, stormwater management, and compliance with wetlands regulations to safeguard water quality.
Have Questions?
Keeping the lines of communication open is an important part of our work in your community. We welcome input from the community.
For more information about this project, please call the project information hotline at 1-833-836-0302 or email ProjectInfoMA@eversource.com.