Project Description

The Hampden County Reliability Project proposes to upgrade National Grid transmission lines and substations in the Massachusetts towns of Palmer, Monson and Hampden to improve the reliability of local and regional electric service.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A LARGER VERSION OF THE MAP

Ten miles of an existing 69 kilovolt (kV) transmission line in a National Grid right-of-way (ROW) passing through Palmer, Monson and Hampden would be replaced with a 115 kV transmission line. Along this 10-mile route with the same center-line as the existing lines, taller steel poles (75-85 feet) would replace existing 45-55 foot wood poles so that the new higher voltage line is farther from trees and vegetation.

Associated substations would be upgraded to accommodate the higher voltage of the new line and a new substation would be built adjacent to Allen Street in Hampden. This substation will enable a tie-in to Northeast Utilities' 115 kV system and further enhance backup and supply options for towns in the region.

National Grid's right-of-way would be cleared as necessary for construction and maintenance and to meet clearances from vegetation required by the electric code. To meet clearance standards, our Real Estate Department will be contacting property owners adjacent to the right-of-way to negotiate additional easement rights for removal of trees and vegetation that could endanger the lines or interfere with maintenance of the lines.

To see simulations of the right-of-way as it is today and what it would look like with the proposed project completed, please click on the titles below. Documents are PDFs.

EXISTING STRUCTURES Mountain Road HAMPDEN

PROPOSED STRUCTURES Mountain Road HAMPDEN

EXISTING STRUCTURES Palmer Road MONSON

PROPOSED STRUCTURES Palmer Road MONSON

Transmission in the Hampden County Area

Electricity is supplied to the area by two 69 kV overhead transmission lines owned by National Grid that originate at the Palmer substation and generally run east to west. Loss of either 69 kV line means that the other line must be able to carry the entire amount of electricity needed for these towns. The proposed project would also connect into a Northeast Utility substation line at the new Allen Street substation located in Hampden.

The Hampden County Reliability Project is one of many Western Massachusetts transmission proposed projects designed to increase reliability flows between Eastern and Western Massachusetts and to upgrade poles and wires that were built in the 1940's. The tie-in with Northeast Utilities' 115 kV line would also enhance backup options for bringing power to the Hampden County area.