National Grid plans to invest $93M on Aquidneck Island infrastructure

NATIONAL GRID HAS announced a plan to invest $93 million into electricity transmission and distribution on Aquidneck Island to bring more reliable power to Portsmouth, Middletown and Newport.
NATIONAL GRID HAS announced a plan to invest $93 million into electricity transmission and distribution on Aquidneck Island to bring more reliable power to Portsmouth, Middletown and Newport.

PROVIDENCE – National Grid Wednesday announced a plan to invest $93 million into electricity transmission and distribution on Aquidneck Island to bring more reliable power to Portsmouth, Middletown and Newport.
The project, which the electricity company has dubbed “OnIsland,” is estimated to serve about 32,000 homes in the three municipalities.
National Grid expects it to begin in the fall and conclude in 2020, pending approval and permits.
“The electrical system that serves Aquidneck Island is outdated by today’s standards and is already stretched near the limits of its intended capacity,” said Timothy F. Horan, president of National Grid Rhode Island.
National Grid conducted a study of Aquidneck Island electricity capacity and determined that the current peak demand of 147 megawatts is about 50 megawatts more than it was in 1990. The company expects the consumption to increase to about 167 megawatts, according to a company press release.
“Our planned upgrades mean that all of our customers on the island can expect that power will be more reliably delivered where and when it is needed and service restoration following interruptions will be accelerated,” Horan said.
The planned upgrades include construction of two substations in Middletown and Newport with remote operating capabilities, along with the reconfiguration of two high-voltage transmission lines between Portsmouth and Middletown.
National Grid will also need to perform an array of distribution work – tying the new work into homes and businesses – in Middletown and Newport, according to the release.
Five substations will be deconstructed.
“Our commitment to this project goes beyond just replacing wires, poles and substations,” Horan said. “We’re also committed to minimizing disruptions to the lives of those who live and work on the island.”

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