Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions about the project’s purpose, approvals, costs, routes, public involvement, and how to stay informed. If you have additional questions, please contact the project team.
The new substation in Hingham, new tap station in Weymouth, 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 Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) is an independent state board that reviews proposed large energy facilities including power plants, electric transmission lines, intra-state natural gas pipelines, and natural gas storage tanks. To obtain EFSB approval, an applicant must demonstrate that its proposed facility would provide a reliable energy supply, with minimum impact on the environment, at the lowest possible cost.
Among other facilities, the EFSB must approve proposals to construct new electric transmission lines having a design rating of 69 kilovolts (“kV”) or more and which are one mile or more in length on a new transmission corridor. In addition, the Siting Board must approve any ancillary structure which is an integral part of the operation of any transmission line subject to the Siting Board’s jurisdiction.
Because HMLP’s proposed underground transmission line will operate at 115 kV and will be longer than one mile, HMLP’s project is subject to the Siting Board’s jurisdiction. In addition, HMLP’s proposed substation in Hingham and the tap station that Eversource will construct and operate in Weymouth are both “ancillary structures” requiring EFSB approval.
Under current law, neither HMLP nor Eversource can commence construction of these proposed facilities unless and until the Siting Board approves HMLP’s Petition to Construct. HMLP submitted its Petition to Construct to the EFSB on November 13, 2024.
You can access HMLP’s Petition to Construct at https://heirp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HMLP_ZE_Petition_FINAL.pdf
You can access the technical Analysis which supports the Petition to construct at https://heirp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HMLP_EFSB_Petition_20241111-1.pdf
You also can access these regulatory documents on the “Permit Applications” page of this website.
Yes. On November 13, 2024, HMLP and Eversource also filed a Joint Petition for Individual and Comprehensive Exemptions from the Zoning Enactments of the Towns of Hingham and Weymouth.
This Joint Petition was initially filed with the Department of Public Utilities, but it has now been referred to the EFSB, where the EFSB will review the Petition to Construct and the Joint Petition for Zoning Exemptions in a single, consolidated proceeding.
You can access the Joint Petition for Zoning Exemptions at https://heirp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HMLP_ZE_Petition_FINAL.pdf
The Siting Board requires applicants to present two routes for proposed transmission lines – a Preferred Route and a Noticed Alternative Route.
The Siting Board will analyze the construction and environmental impacts, cost, and reliability impacts of both the Preferred Route and the Noticed Alternative Route as part of its comprehensive review process.
The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) hosted public hearings in Weymouth on March 25, 2025 and Hingham on March 31, 2025, at which a project presentation was made by HMLP and Eversource, and public comments, questions, and concerns were received and answered. Additionally, EFSB had a publicized open public comment period from March 11, 2025 – April 14, 2025, where residents and businesses could submit written feedback, questions, and concerns to project evaluators.
The overall estimated cost to design, permit, engineer and build the project — including the proposed underground 115 kV line, the new substation in Hingham, and the new Eversource tap station in Weymouth — will be between $100 Million and $110 Million. This estimate includes all required equipment and materials and is expected to be adjusted before the upcoming April town meeting. Long-term bonding to pay for the project will be paid off over 20-40 years through HMLP’s electric rates, ensuring that no taxpayer funding will be required for this project. Due to the length of the repayment plan, recent electric rate increases, and HMLP’s intent to utilize current HMLP Depreciation Funds for the project, no significant rate increase is anticipated for the project.
While HMLP will continue to provide all HMLP customers with GM Updates regarding major developments in the Project, HMLP also recommends that interested residents and businesses in both Hingham and Weymouth check this website regularly to learn about the Project as it progresses. Interested persons also are encouraged to submit questions and comments regarding the Project directly to HMLP via the Feedback page on this website. You also can reach out to P.J. O’Sullivan with questions and comments at 617-750-1628 or pjosullivan@rasky.com.