NH Site Evaluation Committee Takes Over Review of Eversource Energy Transmission Line Rebuild

After pleas by two local towns, the New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee has unanimously agreed to assume jurisdiction and review of the proposed and controversial Eversource Energy transmission line rebuild. And for one of the towns, the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission has issued an order agreeing that Eversource bears the burden to prove the project is needed. The company is planning a ratepayer-funded $385 million complete rebuild of its X-178 transmission line, which extends 49 miles from Whitefield to Campton and includes more than 7 miles in Bethlehem. Eversource claims that new and taller steel towers and new wiring are needed to replace the aging wooden towers and to build a stronger system that can withstand a trend of stronger storms. Planned is the replacement of about 600 wooden poles with steel structures.