Palmer to Ware Improvement Project

Project Benefits

Replacement of Infrastructure: The existing line has widespread damage that poses a great risk to the reliability of the transmission line. The Project will modernize this infrastructure to ensure the continued safe and reliable delivery of electricity to the region.
Improved Communications: The Project will replace the existing shield wire with Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) that will help to shield the line from lightning strikes. This improvement will also enhance communications between substations, thereby improving network resiliency and reliability.
Increased Transfer Capabilities: With the installation of larger conductor (wires), electric power transfer capabilities along the line will be improved to better meet the area's current and future electric load needs.
Cost-Effective Solution for Years to Come: Rebuilding the transmission line provides a cost-effective solution for the continued long-term maintenance and operation of the line.
Safety and Reliability: The creation of new and improved access roads will provide for safer and quicker identification and repair of outages along the line which will reduce restoration times.

Title	Date	Size
O15N Project Introduction	11/18/2022	291 KB
O15N Fact Sheet	03/25/2024	484 KB
Open House Invite	04/29/2024	124 KB
EENF Palmer to Ware Improvements Project Certificate and Comment Letters	09/30/2024	844 KB

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is National Grid undertaking this Project?

National Grid identified a need to rebuild the O15N transmission line due to asset condition and reliability concerns. The upgrading of the aging infrastructure is more cost effective than continued long term maintenance. The line will be replaced with modern technology and built to the most recent National Electrical Safety Code standards, improving safety, performance, and reliability.

Q. Can National Grid acquire additional rights without the landowner's knowledge?

No. If property rights are needed from a landowner to construct, operate, or maintain the Project facilities, National Grid will contact the landowner to explain what rights are required and begin good faith negotiations for such rights

Q. Will National Grid be acquiring property rights (such as easements)?

No, the company has no plans to obtain new easement rights from property owners. If a need develops, the company will begin conversations with the individual landowner. If you have a question about an existing easement or if you are unsure if you have one, please contact us.

Q. How will National Grid limit access to the right-of-way (ROW) during the construction of the Project? Are all-terrain vehicles prohibited from entering it?

National Grid prohibits all unauthorized use of its property and will take steps to limit access to the right-of-way (ROW). If specific problems need to be addressed, National Grid will work with property owners and notify local authorities to resolve the issue. Measures to prevent unauthorized access to the ROW can include signage, access gates, traffic cones, and fencing.

Q. Will trees be trimmed along the corridor?

The corridor is already cleared to its full extent; however, the company will have to mow and selectively remove trees along access routes to accommodate construction equipment.

Q. What if I have a fence or piece of personal property that is under the lines?

National Grid will work with you to discuss any items under the transmission line. If you have a concern, please use the "Contact" form below.

Q. Why are the proposed structures so much taller than the existing structures?

The proposed structures are taller than the existing structures because they are being built to 115kV standards. These new standards need greater clearance due to their configuration and design specifications which will provide greater protection from lightning strikes and tree contacts. The current structures are an average of 60 ft in height, the proposed structures are an average of 90 ft in height.

Q. Why is the line being upgraded to 115kV standards but will continue to operate at 69kV?

The company is doing so to avoid the cost and disruption of another project in the future. The Project is unavoidable since the existing line must be replaced now.Even though the rebuilt line will continue to operate at 69kV, the company anticipates that increasing electric demand will require operating the line at 115 kV within the expected design-life of the new structures.Thus, the company is taking advantage of this opportunity to rebuild the line to 115 kV design specifications now to minimize the potential for future upgrade work, improve system reliability, greatly reduce future environmental impacts, and provide long-term cost savings for customers.

Q. What is the timeline of the Project from start to finish?

The Project is currently in its engineering/permitting stage (see Permitting above). It is anticipated that construction will start in 2026 and the rebuilt line will be completed and in service by 2028. That timeline may shift due to permitting approvals and other requirements that National Grid must meet. Please check back here or contact us for updated information.

Q. Where can I get more information about the Project?

The National Grid project team can be reached at(800) 674-9510, or by email at[email protected]. Also, you may visit the Department of Public Utilities website at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-utilities for Project-related documents.

Construction Process

Rebuilding an electric transmission line involves a variety of activities set out in phases. Below are sample descriptions and photos; actual construction sequencing, methods, and materials will vary.

1. Site Preparation:
The first phase of site preparation and construction is tree and brush removal. Vegetation maintenance allows construction crews to build access roads and remove trees in danger of falling into transmission lines.

2. Environmental Controls:
Next, environmental controls would be installed to mitigate construction impacts to the area. These can include matting, silt fences, and concrete washout structures and containers, among others.

photo of transmission lines and a truck servicing them

3. Transmission Line Rebuilding:
The next phase would be transmission line rebuilding, where foundations are poured, structures are spotted and erected, fiber optic cable is installed, and new wire is strung and energized. Old structures will be removed from the right-of-way. This work would be done with a variety of equipment, including cranes and other heavy equipment.

4. Restoration:
The final phase of construction is ground surface restoration, in which the construction area is restored to its pre-construction condition (unless otherwise specified in regulatory requirements or landowner agreements).

Dates	Task
June 2023 – Ongoing	Stakeholder Outreach
March 2023 – Ongoing	Field Assessments
Spring 2023, Summer 2027	Vegetation Management
July 2024 – July 2027	Permitting
July 2027	Access Improvement Start
June 2028	Line Construction Start
November 2028	Construction and Restoration Finish
December 2028	In-Service/Ready for Load