The company that handles shipments of large chunks of electric power to Vermont utilities wants to upgrade power lines and equipment in the northwestern part of the state. The Vermont Electric Power Company, or VELCO, says its current system in northwestern Vermont hasn’t kept pace with growth in demand and can’t meet basic reliability standards.
VELCO wants to build a new 345,000-volt power line from West Rutland to New Haven, and to upgrade an existing line between New Haven and South Burlington. In addition, a new wire will be added to an existing line between Barre and Williamstown and upgrades will be made at 13 power substations.
The project, which requires approval by the Public Service Board, is estimated to cost $128 million.