In May, the Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) rejected the energy provider Eversource’s proposed new substation and 2.3-mile line project that would have connected the existing and new substations. There had been particular concern—and a loud outcry—over the part of the plan that called for digging up Bruce Park to lay in the connecting line; the high cost of the project also caused concern.
Though the CSC’s thumbs-down was counted as a victory in Greenwich, the basic problem of rising energy demand remains. Since the decision, both Eversource and the town of Greenwich have been working on a new plan to meet the town’s future energy needs.
“We will continue working with Greenwich town leaders over the next few months to review and discuss all possible solutions to meet the identified electric system needs in town,” said Eversource spokesman Frank Poirot. “While we have a responsibility to deliver reliable energy throughout the Greenwich community, we agree with town leaders that any solution must be appropriate in scope, design and cost.”
According to Eversource, the existing electric infrastructure serving the town is expected to reach its maximum capacity by as early as 2017 under certain operating conditions. Eversource said the proposed substation project would have added about 30 years before the overloading problem arose again.
“In addition to finding a solution to the electric system needs, we will also work together to develop a comprehensive, actionable energy efficiency plan for Greenwich,” added Poirot.
While the utility company, formerly known as CL&P, was disappointed with the decision the first time around, it remains encouraged with the CSC’s understanding of the urgent electric and power needs of Greenwich. Additional savings will be looked into as a proposal redesign gets underway.
The formerly proposed new 115-kilovolt bulk substation at 290 Railroad Ave., the current home of Pet Pantry Warehouse, was met with public criticism from elected officials, surrounding businesses, and residents.
The $140 million estimated cost for the preferred route, along with a $155 million cost for the northern route, was deemed “too high for Connecticut ratepayers to bear for a localized issue” according to the CSC report. A hybrid plan, priced at $118 million, would have required more information regarding specific project costs and life cycle costs to be presented to the council.
Another important concern raised with the former proposal was health effects that had to do with proposed drilling in Bruce Park. The CSC cited effects on forests, parks, air and water purity, and public health in their 4-2-2 vote to deny the Eversource application.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and state Rep. Fred Camillo were both outspoken on the issue of drilling through Bruce Park at community forums and in writing.
In a letter sent to the CSC, Greenwich Director of Planning and Zoning and Town Planner Katie DeLuca too expressed strong reservations about major construction in Bruce Park, and called for additional investigation.
“To the town of Greenwich, Bruce Park is the equivalent of what Central Park and Prospect Park are to New York City,” DeLuca said in the report.
First Selectman Peter Tesei stated that the CSC’s decision reaffirmed the town’s position that the need and the cost of the proposed project could not be justified.
Selectman Drew Marzullo called the decision to deny Eversource’s proposed substation and line project in May “great news.”
“It [the proposal] raised environmental and health concerns and no one was convinced electrical activity would increase,” Marzullo said in a statement when the decision came down. “This wasn’t an easy fight, but it was one worth having.”
