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 Interstate Reliability Project (IRP)
Project to improve reliability, ease transmission bottlenecks
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The Interstate Reliability Project is one of four major transmission projects that are part of the New England East-West Solution (NEEWS). Together, the four NEEWS projects will strengthen the reliability of the power grid in New England - improving its efficiency and eliminating potentially crippling and costly bottlenecks.
Overview
The Interstate Reliability Project is a proposed 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line that will strengthen the interstate transfer of electricity across Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The project also includes upgrades to substations and improvements to the region's 115-kV electric system.
It is one of four related projects being undertaken in a joint effort by Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) and National Grid (NGRID) to address the region's needs that were identified in ISO New England's Regional System Plan. ISO-NE is responsible for planning and operating the New England electric power grid and administering the region's wholesale market for electricity. CL&P and NGRID are companies that own and operate many of the region's transmission lines.
Project Need and Benefits
A strong transmission grid is vital to the region's safety, security and economic prosperity. The Interstate Reliability Project will improve the reliability of the New England electric system. Reliability means that the grid is able to deliver electricity where it is needed on the hottest and coldest days of the year - even if one or more power plants or segments of transmission line are not operating. In addition to a more reliable system, the project will allow electricity to flow more freely throughout the region, helping to reduce energy costs and protect the region's economic vitality.
The Interstate Reliability Project works with the three other related 345-kV transmission projects to improve the east-west movement of electricity within New England. This enhanced movement of electricity benefits the reliability of the entire region by allowing larger amounts of power to be moved longer distances.
The Regional Electric System
How Does It Work?
New England's power plants and transmission lines are interconnected to deliver electricity from power plants to customers across the region. Private companies sell power into a regional competitive electricity market while companies like CL&P and NGRID own and operate the regional transmission system. Substations change the "bulk" electricity to a lower voltage to be distributed (on lower voltage lines) to homes, businesses and other users of electricity.
A strong 345-kV bulk power system ensures that power can be efficiently and economically moved longer distances from power sources, (including renewable sources), to where it's needed. See a diagram showing how the system works.
ISO-NE Planning Process
ISO-NE is an independent, not-for-profit regional transmission organization (RTO) authorized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to coordinate the entire interdependent system of power plants and transmission lines, and administer the competitive markets for electric power supply. ISO-NE also manages transmission interconnections to NY, Quebec and New Brunswick that carry power in and out of New England as needed.
In keeping with its system responsibilities, ISO-NE led the system planning that eventually led to the identification of the Interstate Reliability Project.
Project Costs
The costs for this project have not yet been determined because it is still being designed. Once the project is designed, it will go through state siting reviews in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Regulatory agencies ensure that electric utilities act in the public interest to keep rates as low as possible for all customers. All transmission projects are carefully scrutinized by regulatory agencies to make sure that utility companies make prudent investments to maintain reliability with as little environmental impact as possible and at the lowest reasonable cost.
New England states have agreed to share the costs of projects that provide regional benefit. There may be instances where project costs over and above feasible least-cost solutions are paid for on a state or local level.
Options Analysis and Timetable
Evaluation Criteria
Options for accomplishing the interstate transfer goal of the Interstate Reliability Project were evaluated against the criteria of:
- Network characteristics
- Customer and community interests
- Natural environment interests
- Lifetime costs and solution longevity
Timetable
Planning for the Interstate Reliability Project is under way now. Ongoing work includes completing studies and deciding on the proposed routing of new facilities. During 2008, planning will continue, and siting of the project will begin. Construction is planned to begin in 2010/2011.
Communications and Public Outreach
As work proceeds, we will provide additional information such as news releases, meeting schedules and public presentations, along with notice of opportunities for public input. For more information, contact the Interstate Reliability Project.
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