Addressing the need to increase the reliability and long-term availability of electric power, NSTAR is continuing work to complete the final stage of its 345kV Transmission Reliability Project.

The initiative provides the capability to deliver up to 1800 megawatts (MW) of power to the Greater Boston area.

Civil construction of three new transmission lines was completed in 2006, with two of the three lines energized in the Spring of 2007. The final work stage involves installing cable to activate the third underground line. 

The 345 kV project will also provide economic benefits by reducing the area’s reliance on older, higher-cost power-generating plants. A study by ISO New England recommends adding new power lines, like the new 345kV lines, to the regional system to meet future growth in electricity use and to offset the potential retirement of some local plants. Consumer demand for electricity has increased by 20 percent over the past several years, and this growth is expected to continue.

The new transmission lines, approximately 18 miles in length, run through several Boston neighborhoods including South Boston, Hyde Park, Dorchester, and Mattapan, and extend south through Milton, Canton and Stoughton.

Slated for completion in Spring of 2009 this new line will carry much-needed electricity into the Boston area from Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.  

NSTAR transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas to 1.4 million customers in Eastern and Central Massachusetts, including over one million electric customers in 81 communities and nearly 300,000 gas customers in 51 communities.