Seacoast transmission line project moves forward

The state Site Evaluation Committee has accepted an application from Eversource to build a new transmission line on the seacoast.  

The proposed Seacoast Reliability Project will start in Madbury, travel through Durham and Newington, and end in Portsmouth.

According to the project’s website, “This project will improve the transmission system in the New Hampshire area so customers will have reliable electric power to meet their growing energy needs. It will also ensure that the area’s electric grid conforms to national and regional reliability standards.” 

Eversource has agreed to bury the transmission lines in several locations, including Durham’s Main Street.

However, Eversource was unable to reach an agreement with property owners around the historic Frink Farm in Newington, so right now the plan is for overhead transmission lines in that area.

This may cause some friction with Newington residents.  When the project was first proposed last year, residents expressed concern about the environmental and aesthetic impacts of the line.  Others argued that the state should focus on energy efficiency and other ways to reduce demand.

Eversource will hold public information sessions on the project July 14 at 6:00 PM at the Oyster River High School and July 21 at 6:00PM at the Newington Town Hall.

Do you have an opinion on the Seacoast Reliability Project?  Let us know in the comments.