The existing E131 115kV (kilovolt) transmission line extends approximately 12.3 miles from Adams, MA to Readsboro, VT. Owned and operated by New England Power Company (NEP), the line provides electricity for the Towns of Adams, North Adams, Florida, and Monroe, Massachusetts. The line was originally constructed in 1925, however this span of infrastructure needs replacement to continue providing reliable power to this area. The Asset Condition Refurbishment (ACR) project will replace existing aged infrastructure and includes the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW). The location of this right of way is remote and the Project team has determined that it is important to improve access roads for trucks and equipment during construction and for long term safe access for future maintenance.

The E131 Line is located in both Massachusetts and Vermont. Within MA, the line travels through the towns of Adams, North Adams, Florida, and Monroe. From Monroe, MA the line continues into Readsboro, VT to the New England Power Company’s Harriman Substation.

Due to aging infrastructure and current asset conditions, the E131 Line needs refurbishment so reliable electric services can continue to be provided. Refurbishing the Line involves replacing structures, sections of wire, transmission line components, and installing OPGW. By installing improved foundations and more robust structures, this infrastructure will be better suited to withstand strong winds and storm events. The new OPGW serves a dual purpose by providing the necessary electrical grounding in the event of lightning strikes, but also enables telecommunication along the transmission lines and between substations to help identify transmission line issues so they can be quickly addressed.

The Project involves replacing 179 wooden “H-frame” structures with light duty steel H-frame structures. In addition, three existing steel “lattice” structures will be replaced with new steel H-frame structures. A total of 5 existing structures will be removed completely and not replaced. Existing structures of the E131 Line currently range in height from approximately 42-69 feet and the proposed new structures will be slightly taller with an average height increase across the Line of approximately 10 feet.

The E131 Line will remain at the current 115kV when this project is complete.

The cleared width of the right of way is required to be a minimum of 120 feet (60 feet on each side of the centerline). We do not anticipate the need to increase the cleared width of the right of way, however, in some areas we may need to work with individual landowners for additional on and off right of way access needs or easement reviews.

The Project is currently in the development stage. Since 2021, the Project team has been conducting engineering and environmental surveys to assist in the planning and design of the new structures and access needs. The Project team is starting to prepare necessary environmental permit application filings to work towards gaining approvals at the Federal, State and Local levels. Pending receipt of permit approvals, construction could begin as early as 2024 and is expected to take approximately three (3) years to complete.

Our Project website will provide the most current information and resources: www.e131project.com. We are committed to keeping you informed at all stages of the Project and are available to answer any questions by phone at 877-616-E131 (3131) or by email to info@e131project.com.