The Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant (“HMLP”) is proposing to construct and operate a new transmission line and substation in Hingham to address critical reliability needs and support the Town’s climate change initiatives.
Hingham Electrical Infrastructure Reliability Project
The Hingham Municipal Light Plant (“HMLP”) is proposing to construct and operate a new transmission line and substation in Hingham to address critical reliability needs.
Here’s why:
- The new substation and transmission line are vital to ensuring a reliable, low-cost electricity supply that supports the Town’s public safety, economic vitality and environmental goals.
- Currently, Hingham is served by two above-ground transmission lines. These two lines travel the same route and share a common set of supports and poles. The fact that both lines share a common route and a single set of poles leaves the Town vulnerable to extended outages should an event (natural or otherwise) occur. Because of this arrangement, a downed pole could affect both lines simultaneously.
- The new line and substation will provide additional capacity to support the electrification goals set out in the Hingham Climate Action Plan.
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Project Location
- The proposed transmission line would connect to HMLP’s distribution system at a proposed new substation on a parcel at Town’s transfer station site (see map below).
- This Town-owned parcel located near the exit to the DPW transfer station on the northeast corner of that site was chosen upon suggestion from the Hingham Select Board and after HMLP’s comprehensive analysis of Town-owned properties with respect to reliability, environmental and cost considerations.
- The proposed transmission line would tap into the Massachusetts grid at a new tap station in Weymouth that will be constructed and operated by Eversource. The proposed line then would run underground along public rights of way from Weymouth to Hingham.
The Process
HMLP takes seriously its obligation to communicate openly and honestly. The information provided on this webpage is part of a comprehensive effort by HMLP to inform Hingham and Weymouth residents and business owners about the project and the steps needed to bring the project to completion.
- HMLP worked closely with residents, businesses and public officials in Hingham and obtained valuable feedback regarding its proposed transmission line and substation.
- HMLP held virtual Community Meetings in Hingham regarding the proposed project on October 18, 2021 and November 18, 2021.
- On April 30, 2022, Hingham Town Meeting approved a warrant article authorizing HMLP to obtain custody and control of a parcel of land at the Town’s transfer station for purposes of constructing and operating a new substation.
- On August 25, and September 13, 2022, HMLP held Community Open House events at the Tufts Public Library in Weymouth to solicit feedback from Weymouth residents and businesses regarding the preliminary preferred route and the noticed alternative route.
- On September 25, 2022, HMLP held a Community Open House at the Hingham Public Library to solicit feedback from Hingham residents and businesses regarding the proposed underground transmission line route and proposed substation in Hingham .
- On October 12, 2022, HMLP held a virtual Community Open House via Zoom to solicit feedback from Hingham and Weymouth residents who were unable to attend the previous open house events in person. Click here to view the replay of that Zoom Community Open House.
- HMLP will continue to work with Hingham and Weymouth residents, businesses and officials through all phases of project development and permitting.
- Additionally, the project also will require approval or certification from:
- Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board, an independent state board that reviews proposed energy facilities.
- The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
- Hingham and Weymouth Conservation Commissions
- Hingham and Weymouth zoning and planning agencies, as needed
- Other agencies, as necessary