LIPA, CL&P Activate Replacement Cables in Long Island Sound
Helps meet reliability needs in Connecticut and New York
BERLIN, Connecticut, July 30, 2008 – The Connecticut Light and Power Company
(CL&P), part of the Northeast Utilities System (NYSE: NU), and the Long Island
Power Authority (LIPA) today announced that the Long Island replacement cables
between Connecticut and New York have been energized ahead of the original fall
schedule, improving regional reliability for electric customers this summer.
The companies replaced seven fluid-filled transmission cables between
Norwalk, Connecticut, and Northport, New York, with three new solid-core
138-kilovolt cables – improving reliability of electric service to both states
and reducing environmental impacts resulting from damage of the existing cables.
The $129 million replacement cables carry up to 300 megawatts of electricity,
which is enough to meet the electricity demands of about 300,000 average-sized
homes.
Recently, LIPA officials received temporary approval from the State of New
York Public Service Commission to energize the Northport-Norwalk cables. Final
burial in New York waters is scheduled to be completed in September.
The original underwater cables had been in service since 1969 and had been
damaged over the years from fishing vessels, working barges and ship anchors. In
2002, co-owners CL&P and LIPA formally proposed replacing the cables with new,
advanced technology. The new cables have a solid, inert core and will be
completely buried under the seabed. The upgraded cables and the innovative
method of installation, using an underwater jet plow system, make them more
secure from damage by ship traffic and anchors.
“Long Island Sound enters a new era with the replacement cables,” said Kevin
S. Law, LIPA President and Chief Executive Officer. “The replacement cables
provide LIPA with the opportunity to continue to meet customer needs while
reducing environmental impacts. This project has far-reaching long-term benefits
not only for customers, but to the environment of both New York and
Connecticut.”
“I am extremely pleased that the Long Island replacement cables are now
energized, improving reliability for electric customers in Connecticut and New
York,” said Charles W. Shivery, NU Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer. “The Long Island Replacement Cable project is an example of how new
technology can help enhance reliability for the region in an environmentally
friendly way.”
In energizing the project ahead of schedule for the summer peak load period,
CL&P and LIPA officials acknowledged the extraordinary teamwork, collaboration
and cooperation from both companies, principal contractor Nexans and its chief
subcontractor Durocher Marine, as well as from various federal, Connecticut and
New York State agencies such as the Connecticut Siting Council, Connecticut
Department of Public Utility Control, Connecticut Department of Environmental
Protection, New York Public Service Commission, New York Department of
Environmental Conservation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, and from the City of Norwalk, Connecticut, and the Town of
Huntington, New York. |
