Middletown Work Part Of Eversource Black Pond Upgrade Project

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Work in Middletown is included in Eversource Energy's Black Pond Junction structure replacement project.

The series of upgrades will replace aging transmission infrastructure within the utility right of way with stronger steel structures, making the electric grid "more resilient to increasing extreme weather caused by climate change and improving reliability for customers throughout the region," utility officials said.

The transmission system is the "superhighway" of the electric grid," officials said.

"Thoughtful, strategic upgrades like these are essential to continue delivering safe, reliable service to our customers," Eversource President of Transmission and Offshore Wind Projects Bill Quinlan said. "These structures support high-voltage lines that deliver power to millions of customers throughout the region, and by replacing these structures with ones made of more durable material, we're able to modernize and strengthen the electric grid to ensure that customers have the power they need as electric demand increases in the coming years and as climate change continues to pose a threat to reliability."

As part of the project, crews will upgrade nearly 30 existing transmission structures in Berlin, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown, and Southington. Work began Monday and the project is scheduled to be complete by early 2025. Construction will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday on Eversource-owned property or within the existing utility right of way, weather permitting.

The work will not interrupt electric service for customers, Eversource officials said.