New projects to bolster region’s
electricity grid

(Dec. 12, 2007) Four related transmission projects called the New England East-West Solution (NEEWS) will strengthen the region’s power grid over the next five years by improving energy efficiency and eliminating costly bottlenecks.

Developed by planners from Northeast Utilities and the National Grid, NEEWS builds on a regional system plan undertaken by ISO New England. The NEEWS project includes:

• Interstate Reliability Project — a 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line that will strengthen the interstate transfer of electricity. Specifically, it will improve system reliability benefits to Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
• Central Connecticut Reliability Project – to strengthen the transfer of electricity and increase the capability to move power within Connecticut.
• Greater Springfield Reliability Project — to create a “beltway” for power to move into and around the Springfield area.
• Rhode Island Reliability Project — to reinforce the transmission system in and around Rhode Island.

Today’s businesses require unprecedented power quality, reliability and stability to conduct their operations. The NEEWS projects will help make sure the energy needs of businesses are met, whether it’s a small commercial business or an industrial customer.

NEEWS will improve the reliability of the region’s power supply and is expected to produce congestion-relief cost savings – that’s good for consumers and good for the state’s economy.

For more information, contact CBIA’s Kevin Hennessy at 860-244-1979 or hennessk@cbia.com.