The E131 Line is located in both Massachusetts and Vermont. Within MA, the line travels through the towns of Adams, North Adams, Florida, and Monroe. From Monroe, MA the line continues into Readsboro, VT to the New England Power Company’s Harriman Substation.

The existing 115kV E131 transmission lines were constructed in 1925, making them 101 years old.

Due to aging infrastructure and current asset conditions, the E131 line needs refurbishment so reliable electric services can continue to be provided. Refurbishing the line involves replacing structures, sections of wire, transmission line components, and installing Optical Ground Wire (OPGW). By installing improved foundations and more robust structures, this infrastructure will be better suited to withstand strong winds and storm events. The new OPGW serves a dual purpose by providing the necessary electrical grounding in the event of lightning strikes and enables telecommunication along the transmission lines and between substations to help identify transmission line issues so they can be quickly addressed.

The project involves replacing 179 wooden “H-frame” structures with light duty steel H-frame structures and three existing steel “lattice” structures will be replaced with new steel H-frame structures. In addition, OPGW will be added. A total of 5 existing structures will be removed completely and not replaced. Existing structures of the E131 line currently range in height from approximately 42-69 feet and the proposed new structures will be slightly taller with an average height increase across the line of approximately 10 feet.

The E131 line will remain at the current 115kV when this project is complete.

The cleared width of the ROW is required to be a minimum of 120 feet (60 feet on each side of the centerline). We do not anticipate the need to increase the cleared width of the ROW, however, in some areas we may need to work with individual landowners for additional on and off-ROW access needs or easement reviews.

Construction is currently underway and is anticipated to continue until August 2027. Our Project Engagement team is available to answer any questions you may have. This schedule is subject to change. We will update the schedule as the project progresses.

Crews will access the right-of-way from public streets or other existing access points. Improvements to existing access routes and construction of new routes are also required to facilitate construction and future maintenance.
In instances where access is not possible via public ways or easements, individual landowners will be contacted directly by a project team member.

The project team will work with local agencies to provide advance notice of any needed detours or changes to travel patterns.

During construction, crews typically work Monday – Saturday, between the hours determined by each town or city’s bylaws, unless there is an emergency or unforeseen circumstance.

Work will be limited to normal daytime hours approved by the municipality except for cases when it is necessary to work outside of these hours for safety or reliability reasons.

After construction is complete, the project team will ensure that anything disturbed by the work is restored. Environmental monitors will also check restoration areas periodically to ensure invasive species standards, agricultural standards and vegetative uptake standards are maintained after construction is complete.

We will update this website as the project progresses. We are committed to keeping you informed at all stages of the Project and are available to answer any questions by phone at 877-616-E131 (3131) or by email at info@e131project.com.

The Project Engagement team will be available by phone: 877-616-3131 email: info@e131project.com, or the contact form on this webpage.

In instances where access is not possible via public ways or easements, individual landowners will be contacted directly.

Tree trimming, removals and vegetation management occurred throughout the project when needed. Tree work locations have been identified, and affected landowners were sent the wood program flyer. The wood program is an opportunity for landowners to choose if they’d like to keep the cut wood on their property.

Herbicides will not be used for project work. The forestry team will utilize methods including typical cutting and mowing.