Eversource Energy : Completes Westfield Reliability Project

Westfield project selected by ISO New England to bolster regional energysystem completed

SPRINGFIELD, Mass (June 11, 2020) - Eversource has completed construction of the Westfield Reliability Project, installing a three-mile-long electric circuit on an existing 115-kilovolt overhead transmission line in Westfield to help ensure the continued and safe delivery of reliable power that people and businesses need. Part of the energy company's essential work to ensure reliability for customers, the Westfield Reliability Project is one of many transmission upgrades to help meet the electric system's evolving needs to support a clean energy future.

'With many people continuing to work and learn from home, the safe and reliable delivery of power has never been more essential than it is during these uncertain times,' said Eversource President of Transmission Bill Quinlan. 'The completion of the Westfield Reliability Project is an exciting development in our efforts to serve our customers and to support economic growth in the future. As restoration and landscaping continue through the spring and summer, we will maintain close communication and collaboration with our host communities, property owners and businesses while adhering to social distancing and other best practices to safeguard health and prevent the spread of COVID-19.'

The power lines have been installed on existing structures along the right of way from the Pochassic Substation, near Oakdale Avenue, to the Buck Pond Substation near Medeiros Way. The Westfield Reliability Project also includes constructing new equipment adjacent to Eversource's existing Pochassic Substation and related upgrades to the Buck Pond Substation.

Eversource representatives have been working closely with city officials. As the energy company's crews and contractors work to complete final construction activities, including environmental monitoring and reporting, they are continuing to follow strict safety precautions, including practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings and using enhanced sanitation practices.

'We are grateful to our host communities for their input and partnership throughout the planning process, as well as their understanding and patience, as we work together to serve the public during the pandemic,' said Quinlan. 'We remain committed to being a good neighbor and environmental steward as this project will deliver benefits to the region for years to come.'

This project is one of several designed to strengthen the electric system serving Pittsfield, Greenfield and surrounding areas.

Eversource (NYSE: ES) transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to approximately 4 million customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, Eversource is the #1 energy company in Newsweek 's list of America's Most Responsible Companies for 2020 and recognized as one of America's Most JUST Companies and the #1 utility by Forbes and JUST Capital. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 8,300 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally-recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

CONTACT:
Priscilla Ress
413-787-1055
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