Project Need
As part of its ongoing commitment to deliver reliable energy and superior service to its customers, Eversource is proposing to replace an existing 115-kilovolt (kV) underground transmission line in the Dover, Needham and Westwood area. Eversource routinely evaluates the condition of its infrastructure to provide reliable electric service to the community. The existing transmission line was installed in 1967 and is nearing the end of its design life expectancy. As a result, it was determined this line should be replaced.
The proposed project is part of a larger program Eversource is conducting throughout its service territory in Connecticut and Massachusetts called the Underground Cable Modernization Program (UCMP). This program is designed to modernize and increase the capacity of the existing underground transmission cable systems by replacing existing fluid-filled cable with cross-linked polyethylene cable.
The existing transmission lines are high pressure fluid-filled (HPFF), and the replacement lines will be solid dielectric cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). Replacing the existing HPFF with XLPE is designed to modernize the existing electric transmission system, increase reliability, enable Eversource to better access this cable as needed for future maintenance and align with the Commonwealth's goals to achieve net zero carbon emission standards by 2050.
Project Description
- In the Dover, Needham & Westwood area, the proposed project includes replacement of a 1.3-mile existing underground transmission line. The route is between the Chestnut Street substation in Needham and the Westfield Street Station located in Westwood along the Westwood-Dover Town boundary.
- The proposed replacement lines will follow the same or similar route whenever possible, under the roadway.
- Once all local and state approvals have been received, construction will include excavation for the cable system trench and vault/cable installation. Following completion of construction, Eversource will coordinate with affected municipalities on restoration.
- Equipment upgrades will be required at the Dover and Needham stations to accommodate the connection of the XLPE cable. This work will occur within the existing footprint of the stations.
Map of Existing Line Route
The map illustrates the existing route of the underground transmission line. It originates from the Chestnut Street substation in Dover and extends to the Westfield Street Station in Westwood, traversing through Dover and Needham, generally following existing roadways. Key locations marked include Chestnut Street substation, Dover, Needham, and Westwood.
Community Outreach
Eversource is committed to engaging city officials, residents, businesses, community groups and other interested stakeholders about the Project through meaningful engagement. The team strives to incorporate local feedback as feasible and will remain engaged with the community throughout the Project to provide updates on the schedule and address questions and concerns.
For more information, please call: 1-833-836-0302 or email: ProjectInfoMA@eversource.com.
Anticipated Project Schedule*
- Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Filing: Q4 2025
- Start of Construction: Q3 2026
- Estimated In-Service Date: Q4 2028
*Dates subject to change pending all necessary approvals
More Information
For more information on the Project or to contact a Project representative, please visit our website at https://bit.ly/DoverNeedhamUCMP. To sign up for project updates, please use the following link: https://bit.ly/DoverNeedhamUpdates.
Language Assistance
Information about the Project is available in Spanish and other languages upon request.
Si necesita que le traduzcan esta notificación, envíenos un correo electrónico a ProjectinfoMA@eversource.com y escriba "D-N" en el asunto.
