The project will improve service for more than 20,000 customers in six north shore towns National Grid has announced that an $11 million dollar electrical infrastructure improvement project is under way that will result in improved electrical service reliability for the communities of Essex, Hamilton, Gloucester, Manchester by the Sea, Rockport and Wenham, Mass.
The company is upgrading 15 miles of underground cable systems that will add capacity to our distribution system as well as add system redundancy in the event of a power outage. “A top priority at National Grid is to provide safe and reliable service to customers and businesses in the communities we serve,” said Marcy Reed, president, National Grid, MA.“Continuous investment in our infrastructure is vital to help reduce the occurrence of power outages and assure that we have capacity on the system to allow for economic growth. We want our customers to know we are here for them, delivering energy solutions in projects like this so they can have the service we know they expect.”
The project consists of the installation of new underground cable in the existing manhole and duct system that runs through Beverly, Manchester by the Sea and Gloucester. Work crews will be installing the cable at locations along route 127 in Manchester, and on Magnolia Avenue, Essex Avenue, Western Avenue and Main Street in Gloucester. In addition to the installation of new cable, the company will be upgrading existing equipment in its substations in Beverly, Manchester and Gloucester that will further enhance the reliability of the system and improve restoration times during outages.
National Grid has hired ElecComm (ECC) to work on the project. ElecComm is one of the largest underground and overhead voltage electric and communications line construction companies in New England.
“We are thrilled to be working with National Grid on this highly sensitive project while upgrading underground cable and improving power reliability for its cities and towns in the Cape Ann area,” said Sean Martin EVP, ElecComm Corporation. “One of ElecComm’s core values is health and safety and we will ensure our team works in a safe environment, while protecting the public and working in unison with local communities.”
National Grid began work on the infrastructure upgrades in September and to date, has completed 20 percent of the project. The project is scheduled for completion on June 1, 2013.
