As per the plan, the Northeast Utilities unit will link its transmission grid in the eastern part of Connecticut with those located in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The transmission project will help in addressing system reliability constraints primarily in Connecticut. The CSC noted that the project also has "economic and environmental benefits".
Northeast Utilities Transmission VP David Boguslawski stated that the council’s decision recognizes the significance of this project to the future of both Connecticut and New England.
"In addition to improved system reliability, the Interstate Reliability Project will provide the region’s electricity customers with the infrastructure that is critical to a healthy economy, as well as access to cleaner, competitively-priced energy sources," Boguslawski added.
The project, which may be in-service by late 2015, is a collaborative effort between CL&P and National Grid, a utility serving customers in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The Connecticut portion of the project includes erecting 37 miles of new 345kV overhead transmission line, while the Rhode Island and Massachusetts portions of the project involves extending nearly 38 miles.
