As Eversource endeavors to secure approval for its substation construction in Kendall Square and the expansion of its electric distribution and transmission system in Cambridge, Somerville, and Brighton, the company faces a pressing issue. Eversource's experts testified that increased power demand has strained parts of the existing system, approaching its operational limits. The company has already initiated measures to address this challenge by installing "long feeders" to individually connect East Cambridge customers to its Putnam Avenue substation in Cambridgeport. The existing East Cambridge substation has exceeded its capacity, necessitating these efforts.
The primary objective of Eversource's proposed 11-story underground substation and system expansion is to address the mounting demand for power in the Cambridge area. While there is sufficient power available, the existing cables, transformers, and equipment that deliver electricity to customers are nearing their limits, prompting the need for system enhancements.
Eversource aims to bring this new system online by 2030. However, the recent testimony at the Energy Facilities Siting Board hearing held on October 16 suggests that the need might be more urgent. The growth in both Cambridge and Somerville, coupled with limited excess capacity at substations serving both cities, has left Eversource with little room for maneuver within the distribution system. Contingency plans are in place to manage potential transmission overloads and the risk of load shedding, which refers to cutting off power to customers in the case of equipment failure.
The approval of this project is subject to the decisions of the siting board and the Department of Public Utilities, which could be influenced by a last-minute opposition from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). MIT has proposed alternative routes and is challenging Eversource's preferred path through its campus, potentially causing delays. The City of Cambridge is also concerned about any potential delays, especially given the urgent need for infrastructure improvements. Eversource faces a complex situation as it strives to enhance its electrical infrastructure while navigating opposition and the immediate demand for system upgrades.
Source: cambridgeday.com