Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo) energized a 2.5-mi transmission line separation project between Agawam and West Springfield, Massachusetts, on April 28, 2011, ahead of schedule. This project improves reliability of electric service to customers while strengthening the transmission connections for cities and towns in the area.

“Energizing this upgraded line represents another milestone in our continuing efforts to bring improved reliability benefits to our customers,” said Peter Clarke, president and chief operating officer of WMECo.

“We would like to thank local residents, businesses and officials for their support in making this project a success. Their cooperation played a key role in the successful and early completion of this important system improvement,” added Clarke.

The project, which began in the summer of 2010, included rebuilding two 115- kV circuits along an existing transmission right-of-way between substations in Agawam and West Springfield. About one-half mile of the right-of-way is located in West Springfield, with the remaining two miles in Agawam.

Both 115-kV circuits, which were located on a single row of structures, have been separated and relocated on two rows of parallel structures. Separation improves reliability and reduces the potential for any single incident to affect both circuits.