Eversource Substation Project

The Eversource Substation Project arose from recognition that the current substation is undersized and capacity-constrained.

At the planning board meeting on 2026-06-04 the chair noted the need for expansion to address these issues and indicated that Eversource would present an update at a subsequent meeting.

This set up the detailed select board session on 2026-06-08 where Eversource representatives addressed long-term forecasting, reliability improvements under a four-substation model, visual and noise mitigation measures, vegetation removal and stormwater controls, construction access via an existing road, and inter-departmental coordination.

Board members expressed a supervisory stance, stating they would not rubber stamp the project and must ask hard questions at every stage.

Eversource explained use of customer applications for forecasting, ongoing noise modeling with consultants, incorporation of a stormwater basin, monthly meetings with the conservation agent, and multi-channel community engagement including mailers and a project website.

Public comments at the meeting raised questions on data center impacts, visual integration in winter, wetland effects, and notification of abutters.

The project is advancing toward an EFSB filing that will include renderings, noise results, and permits.

At the conservation commission meeting on 2026-06-25, members discussed the shift to state-level EFSB permitting under the 2024 Climate Act for the substation off Mill Street, noting that this process consolidates permits and limits local Conservation Commission authority. A geotechnical NOI is expected in August, with blasting not permitted but alternative rock-breaking methods under consideration; the commission will receive an Eversource presentation and may provide input on conditions during pre-filing stages though final decisions rest with the EFSB.