Although is to install several miles’ worth of new transmission lines in town, the utility company says Mansfield would benefit from the project.
The proposal is part of an extensive plan by CL&P to install 345-kV electric transmission lines across Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts to the tune of $218 million.
The project aims to improve overall reliability in the region while improving the ability to move electricity that’s generated elsewhere into Connecticut, said Frank J. Poirot, a senior communications specialist at CL&P.
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The idea is to reduce dependence on “less-efficient, expensive and environmentally-challenged” means of generation, according to CL&P.
“The project will have a benefit to serving [Mansfield’s] electric needs for years to come,” Poirot said. “It will serve the growing electric needs of the town of Mansfield and secure its energy future.”
In order to help move the project forward, CL&P needs and is seeking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' approval for a 4.8-acre expansion of an existing right-of-way across Army Corps properties in the Mansfield Hollow area, Poirot said.
“Mansfield benefits from [the project] there’s no question about that,” Poirot said. “Every home and business with an electric meter will benefit from this project.”
Poirot said a portion of the project’s cost would be borne by electric users in New England and another portion by Connecticut customers.
The impact on customers’ electric bills won’t be known until ISO New England – the governing body of electricity prices – determines what percentage of the project benefits all of New England and what percentage benefits Connecticut, Poirot said.
In addition, Poirot said the project is expected to produce significant new property tax revenues for the towns in which the new lines and support structures are located.
CL&P estimates that once the project is complete, the project will add a total of about $2 million to local tax revenues in affected towns in Connecticut, based on the company’s current design and the tax rate in place at the time of the estimate, Poirot said.
“Unlike most new construction, these additions to the grand list will not be accompanied by a requirement for municipal services,” Poirot said. “For Mansfield, we conservatively estimate the first-year-in-service property taxes to be about $350,000,” he said.
All of those are estimates are preliminary until final design and the mil rates in place during construction.
. It anticipates making a final decision by early next year. Pending approval, construction is expected to begin in late 2013 or early 2014.
