Rhode Island Reliability Project Transmission Construction Set to Begin

WALTHAM, MA (10/18/2010)(readMedia)-- National Grid announced today that it is beginning work to construct a new 345-kilovolt transmission line in Rhode Island. The new transmission line, which is part of the Rhode Island Reliability Project, will bring direct benefits to the entire state by strengthening the reliability of the electric grid in Rhode Island, mitigating the possibilities of equipment overloads, voltage problems and power outages. It is one of four New England East-West Solution (NEEWS) 345-kilovolt transmission projects serving portions of New England.

The $250 million Rhode Island Reliability Project consists of constructing a new 21.4 mile 345-kilovolt transmission line and relocating and reconductoring 20 miles each of two transmission 115-kilovolt lines in an existing right-of-way and system upgrades to several substations. The new line will run from the West Farnum substation in North Smithfield to the Kent County substation in Warwick and will run through portions of North Smithfield, Smithfield, Johnston, Cranston, West Warwick and Warwick. Construction work now underway in North Smithfield and will continue from north to south. The majority of the work completed by Spring 2013.

"The Rhode Island Reliability Project benefits our customers by addressing limitations in the reliable flow of power within the region," stated Ellen Smith, Chief Operating Officer, US Electricity Operations at National Grid. "Reliable power means that customers have power when they need it. Reliability also makes Rhode Island more attractive to business and can enable broader access to electricity markets, including renewable energy sources."

The Rhode Island Reliability Project has received regulatory approval from the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board (EFSB), as well as federal and state environmental permits for the work. A series of public hearings was held by the EFSB to gather public input.

Throughout planning and pre-permitting National Grid held open houses and municipal briefings and met with numerous abutters. National Grid will continue working closely with communities throughout construction. Municipal officials, abutters and other interested stakeholders will be kept informed about the project throughout construction via email updates, a project web site and other outreach activities. They will also be encouraged to call a project hotline with questions or meet with National Grid stakeholder relations representatives, who will be in the project area regularly.

To ensure public safety during construction of this project, access to the right-of-way will be restricted to National Grid, its contractors and authorized personnel only. Unauthorized use of the right-of-way is prohibited at all times.

For more project information go to www.rhodeislandreliability.com or call the project hotline anytime at 800-559-0241.

National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.

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