Addressing Reliability Risk
The Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant (HMLP) has provided local, reliable electric service to Hingham since 1893 and currently serves approximately 10,600 customers. While the system has performed well over time, Hingham’s electric supply now faces significant reliability risks.
In April 2022, Hingham residents launched this critical project with Town Meeting approval to authorize the Select Board to transfer control and custody of land at the Hingham Transfer Station to HMLP for the new Substation.
The Problem
Today, all power to Hingham is delivered via two parallel 115 kV transmission lines that share towers for much of their route. Because these lines are located on the same structures and connect to a single substation, a single failure—whether from severe weather, equipment damage, or an incident along the active commuter rail line—could result in a town-wide outage lasting from 8 hours to several days or longer. Based on standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Independent System Operators – New England (ISO-NE), and the Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC), the current configuration does not meet modern reliability expectations. Learn more about the problem.
The Solution
After evaluating multiple alternatives, the most effective and least disruptive solution is to build a new underground 115 kV transmission line from Weymouth to Hingham, and a new second substation at the Hingham Transfer Station site. This project will provide true redundancy, align with industry standards, and protect homes, businesses, and critical services from prolonged outages. The new infrastructure will also support future electrical demand and the community’s clean energy goals. Learn more about the solution.
The Process
Since 2020, HMLP has held or participated in over 40 outreach meetings or events regarding the proposed HMLP Reliability Project. The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB), responsible for permitting all such large energy projects across Massachusetts, has held two public hearings in the communities of Hingham and Weymouth, received public comments from residents and town officials, held evidentiary hearings and received legal briefs to review all details of the proposed project. An EFSB decision on the proposed reliability project is expected later in 2026.
Hingham must vote to approve long term bonding to assist in funding the project at Town Meeting. In addition to having already met with the Hingham Select Board, Advisory Committee, Conservation Commission and Planning and Zoning Boards, HMLP has met with the Weymouth Mayor and staff, including the Planning Director, as well as the Weymouth Conservation Commission. In addition to obtaining EFSB approval, HMLP will also need to obtain Orders of Condition for the Project from both the Hingham and Weymouth Conservation Commissions in 2026, and obtain a MassDEP Landfill Post Closure Use Permit for the new substation.
The Cost
The current estimated project cost is $100 million to $110 million. HMLP plans to use reserves and long-term bonding, repaid through electric rates—not taxpayer dollars—and, due to previous rate hikes anticipating the need for this project, the length of the repayment programs, and the utilization of HMLP’s depreciation fund, HMLP anticipates no significant rate increases as a result of this project.
Project Updates
Visit the EFSB’s webpage for the latest information on the project's EFSB proceedings.
Visit Eversource's webpage for additional information on the Eversource Weymouth Tap Station.
