National Grid Launches Major Reliability Project to Replace Oldest Transmission Line in New England

National Grid Launches Major Reliability Project to Replace Oldest Transmission Line in New England 

A1/B2 Transmission Line Project will facilitate increased energy capacity in Central MA and modernize aging infrastructure that affects service quality

WALTHAM, MA — National Grid today announced it will begin construction this summer on a major infrastructure project to rebuild a key transmission line in Central Massachusetts, upgrading more than 570 structures dating back to 1909, improving reliability for customers by reducing exposure to outages and increasing energy capacity.

The A1/B2 Transmission Line Project spans approximately 47 miles across Massachusetts, including communities in Worcester and Franklin counties, such as Fitchburg, Leominster, Warwick, Royalston, Winchendon, Gardner, Westminster, and Sterling, and connects to 6.8 miles of upgraded lines already completed in New Hampshire and Vermont. In addition to the primary lines running from Warwick to Sterling, two shorter “tap” lines that deliver electricity to substations in Athol and Gardner for local distribution will be rebuilt as part of the project.

“National Grid is committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to our customers around the clock, and the A1/B2 project is a critical investment in that commitment,” said Lisa Wieland, President of National Grid New England. “This project reflects the role we play in bringing energy to power homes, businesses, and communities across the region. Modernizing this infrastructure will strengthen day-to-day reliability, support economic activity, and ensure the system has the capacity and flexibility to meet growing energy needs.”

National Grid is investing approximately $470 million in this multi-year project to replace towers, poles and equipment that are more than a century old, increasing the future renewables capacity for Massachusetts.  Originally built to bring Vermont hydropower to towns in northern Franklin and Worcester counties, the system supported early 20th century industrial growth and major infrastructure development, including the construction of tunnels that expanded the water supply to Boston.

While the lines continue to serve the region, they no longer meet modern reliability and capacity needs. Due to their design and configuration, the existing system is more susceptible to outages caused by lightning, vegetation, and other environmental factors and its design limits access by modern equipment for maintenance and upgrades, which can lead to more frequent interruptions and longer restoration times for customers. Additionally, the lines and associated infrastructure lack sufficient capacity to support future energy demands, accommodate new customer load, or integrate additional distributed energy resources.

ISO-New England projects regional electricity demand will increase by approximately 9 percent over the next decade, with Massachusetts expected to lead that growth. The new transmission lines are expected to be completed and begin operation by late 2030, initially operating at 69kV but with the capability to support 115kV — the modern standard for transmission infrastructure.

Construction is to begin following approval this month from the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board and a comprehensive public outreach process that included community meetings, presentations to local officials, and engagement with affected communities and key stakeholders.

For more information, visit newenglanda1b2.com.