Eversource, National Grid propose new power line from New Bedford area to Fall River

Frank Mulligan 

Standard Times 

Published April 19, 2022 

NEW BEDFORD — Eversource and National Grid want to construct an overhead, approximately 12.1-mile transmission line from Acushnet to Fall River on an existing transmission right of way to improve system reliability, according to the two companies.

Eversource spokesman Chris McKinnon stated, “Our network of transmission lines serves as the backbone of the electric system to ensure safe and reliable service for our customers every day. Jointly with National Grid, we have proposed the Acushnet to Fall River Reliability Project in order to ensure the transmission system has the necessary capacity to meet current and forecasted electric needs in the greater New Bedford area — where peak load is projected to experience continued growth through the end of the decade.”

Eversource’s portion of the proposed 115,000-volt transmission line will extend approximately 7.9 miles, passing through Acushnet, Dartmouth, and New Bedford, according to the proposal. National Grid’s portion would then continue for approximately 4.2 miles in Fall River.

The new line begins at the Industrial Park Tap in Acushnet, and ends at the Bell Rock Substation in Fall River, according to the proposal.

The project will need approval from the Energy Facilities Siting Board and the Department of Public Utilities. A Zoom public hearing to solicit comment on the project will be held Monday, April 25, at 7 p.m.

Attendees can join by clicking (or entering) the following link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81610084315 from a computer, smartphone, or tablet. No prior software download is required.

For audio-only participation, attendees can dial in at 1-646-558-8656 (not toll free) and then enter the Webinar ID: 816 1008 4315.

A Siting Board decision is expected in 2023. With approval, construction would start in 2023, and the line would go into service in 2024.

McKinnon added, “We look forward to receiving local feedback at the public hearing and appreciate the continued engagement of our community partners. We remain committed to our continued work together as we focus on providing our customers with the safe, reliable service they need."

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