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Why Are We Doing This Project?

The Burlington Energy Project includes a proposed new substation in Burlington that will connect with existing transmission and distribution network.

We expect electricity demand in the area to continue rising due to economic development and electrification. With the Middlesex Turnpike substation in Burlington and the South Woburn and North Woburn substations nearing capacity, this project will help meet that demand and improve reliability in the area.

This project is part of our Electric Sector Modernization Plan (ESMP), a 10-year roadmap to modernize the electric grid and support Massachusetts’ climate goals. We propose a new substation only after determining alternatives – such as solar, energy efficiency and battery storage –  cannot meet the area’s energy needs. 

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Where Is The Work Being Done?

This project will include the construction of a new electric substation in Burlington on approximately two acres of Eversource-owned property accessed via Winn Street, as well as associated underground distribution work in Woburn and Burlington spanning more than 10 miles in existing streets.

Additionally, approximately 2.5 miles of new overhead electric transmission lines and supporting structures will be installed in the existing rights-of-way running from the proposed new substation in Burlington through Wilmington into Woburn.

This work will not disrupt electrical service. 

Site Selection

When identifying locations for a new substation, physical constraints and electric service standards determine what is feasible. We then evaluate sites through a multiphase process to ensure a thorough, timely and transparent review.

We assess each site based on factors including schedule, land availability, surroundings, environmental impacts, distribution and transmission systems, construction and layout.

Community Engagement

We are committed to engaging municipal officials, residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders about upcoming project activities through municipal briefings, mailings, site meetings, virtual meetings, and door-to-door outreach. Below is a summary of outreach activities. 

• Watch the June 24 meeting video (June 2026)
• June 24 meeting presentation deck (June 2026)
• June 24 meeting notice (June 2026)
• Project fact sheet (April/May 2025)
• Burlington Chamber of Commerce presentation (January 2025)
• Middlesex 3 Coalition presentation (July 2024)
• Stakeholder frequently asked questions (July 2024 update)
• Neighborhood meeting presentation (June 2024)
• In-person office hours, True North Coffee Burlington (August 24, 2023, September 12, 2023, and September 21, 2023)
• Read the in-person project community conversation presentation (June 2023)
• Watch the virtual project community conversation (June 2023)
• Read the in-person small group project review session presentation (March 2023)
• Watch the virtual small group project review session (March 2023)

Throughout the project life cycle, our project engagement team will continue to provide opportunities for community members and residents to learn more about the project and provide feedback directly to the project team.

Our engagement and communication goals are:

• Community awareness: Keeping residents informed about the upcoming work that will affect their communities.
• Inclusive participation: Collaborating with residents, business owners and community leaders, whose voice matters in shaping the future of our shared infrastructure.
• Transparency and collaboration: Maintaining an open dialogue throughout the upgrade process, ensuring that community needs and concerns are addressed.

Municipality and Community Meetings

We actively meet with municipalities, residents and community-based organizations seeking feedback on the proposed work. If you’d like to meet with us or learn more, call 1-833-836-0302 or email ProjectInfoMA@eversource.com. Below is a list of stakeholders we have met with:

Community organizations, events and local institutions

• 350 Mass
• Burlington Buzz
• Burlington Chamber of Commerce
• Burlington English Language Learner Parent Advisory Council
• Burlington Presbyterian Church
• Burlington Rotary Club
• Burlington Womenade
• Celebrate Burlington
• Fix the Grid MA
• Ipswich River Watershed Association – Wilmington Stream Team
• Lahey Hospital
• Middlesex 3 Coalition
• Mystic River Watershed Association
• Northeastern Innovation Lab
• Pearson Circle Neighborhood
• People Helping People Burlington

 Municipalities and state entities 

• Town of Burlington
• City of Woburn
• Town of Wilmington
• Reading Municipal Light Department
• Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
• Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency (MEPA)

Have Questions or Comments?

Keeping the lines of communication open is an important part of our work in your community.

For more information about this project, please call the project information hotline at 1-833-836-0302 or email ProjectInfoMA@eversource.com.

To provide feedback on the project, submit a comment form.  Written feedback can also be mailed to 247 Station Drive, Westwood, MA 02090 (attn: Ian Kea). You can review feedback and questions received to date and learn how your input shapes decisions by reading our feedback loop.

Project Contact: Ian Kea (ian.kea@eversource.com)

Funding is available to eligible entities through the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) Intervenor Support Grant Program.  More information about this program is available on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts official website.