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Eversource proposes substation on Locust Street, addresses residents' questions. * By TARA VOCINO * Aug 7, 2026 * 0 BURLINGTON - Eversource is proposing a substation along Locust Street. They addressed residents' inquiries during a public meeting last week at 70 Montvale Ave. According to Eversource Senior Specials, Transmission Project Engagement Ian Kea, the Burlington/Woburn area is currently experiencing a significant amount of transformation. A substation serves as a critical part of the electric system, acting as a hub to bring electricity and clean energy to homes and businesses. All three substations are overloaded or stressed due to the recent growth. Given the continued planned residential and commercial load growth in this area, an additional substation is needed to help offload the current stations and ensure continued reliable electrical service to all customers. The proposed preferred site is Locust Street, which is on the corner of two existing right of ways. Kea said operational substations must meet or be below state and local sound ordinance requirements. According to Eversource External Communications Manager Olessa Stepanova, the Burlington Energy Project is still in development and will be subject to local permitting processes, as well as review by the state Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB). "We currently anticipate filing with the EFSB later this year," Stepanova said. "If the project is approved through the state's review process, construction is expected to begin in 2028, with completion anticipated around 2030." She noted that these timelines are subject to change. Locust Street resident Janet Zahora said as the town continues to grow, additional power is needed. Her husband, Robert, said it's tough to say if Locust Street is the best location. "The current locations that they have can only handle so much power," Robert Zahora said. Sparhawk Drive resident Joanne Delaney, who got up to speak, asked how close will the new transmission structures be to homes on her street. "Roughly eight years ago Eversource did a clearcut, and trees were wiped out," Delaney said. "They cut beautiful 100-plus-year old pines after there was a major clear cut by Eversource, which destroyed the backyard of all abutters." She asked if homeowners will see more trees destroyed, more conservation areas and wetlands disrupted this time around. Regarding health and electromagnetic field (EMF), Delaney asked what EMF levels are expected at the edge of her property and at her home after the project is complete. "Will Eversource provide actual modeling results - not just general statements - that show expected EMF levels?," Delaney asked. "Will post-construction EMF measurements be taken and shared with residents?" In regard to the reservoir and conservation land, Delaney asked what specific protections are in place to prevent impacts to the Burlington reservoir and nearby conservation areas. "What studies have been done regarding wetlands, wildlife, and water quality?" Delaney asked. "If environmental damage occurs, who is responsible for restoring it?" Stepanova said environmental industry Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be implemented during construction to avoid direct impacts to the Mill Pond Reservoir during construction. "Protecting nearby environmental resources, including the Mill Pond Reservoir, is a key priority throughout construction and during operation once the project is constructed and in service," Stepanova said. "The project will be designed, constructed, and operational in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal environmental requirements to protect surrounding natural resources." Delaney feels that this project will impact the valuation on properties that are abutting the project. She asked what compensation is available, if homeowners are negatively affected. Eversource's response was that it will not affect the value and that they will visit Delaney's property. However, Delaney said she highly disagrees since she has been a realtor in Burlington for more than 25 years. She also asked about compensation. In regard to being reimbursed by Eversource for devaluation of property, Eversource stated they can't do that according to Massachusetts law, but will come to abutters' home personally and discuss. Delaney's other concern is how noise, construction traffic, and lighting will be managed during construction. As far as the traffic concern, Eversource said they will work with the Town of Burlington. Another major concern of Delaney's is flooding. Behind her house, there is a large seasonal pool of water every spring and fall. Eversource stated that they will come to Delaney's house and look at it. "The existing trees help absorb water and protect my property," Delaney said. "If those trees are removed, I am very concerned that the amount of water flowing toward my home will increase and could cause flooding." Delaney also inquired about what drainage and stormwater studies have been completed, what mitigation measures are planned to prevent flooding, and whether Eversource will take responsibility if this project causes damage to her property. "I believe these questions deserve clear answers before construction moves forward," Delaney said. "What alternatives are being considered instead of disrupting Burlington neighborhoods and water sources?" Kea said Eversource will be mindful of anything that might disrupt or damage. Eversource has already evaluated solar, energy efficiency and battery storage alternatives. An idea was inside an industrial park, but Eversource responded that it would be too costly and could involve buying a parking lot. "These alternatives, both alone or in combination, can't meet the area's energy needs for long-term grid capacity and redundancy," Kea said. Delaney added Eversource chose this site because it's cheaper than other areas. She asked for a written document saying her property won't be flooded. If the substation is installed, trees will have to be cut down within their easement. Kea said the substation must be built near customers and the electric demand. "The longer the distance electrons are required to travel from their source, the weaker and less reliable the electrons become," Kea said. There was a group of people from Eversource that sat up front to answer questions. Delaney felt that they either gave vague answers or quoted Massachusetts law. She also asked if Select Board members were invited, since she didn't see any. Last meeting, there was one Planning Board member at the meeting. Locust Street resident Pat Linskey, who also got up to speak, called Burlington a family-friendly town. "Families and children enjoy walking, riding bikes, and spending time outdoors throughout our neighborhoods," Linskey said. "The disruption caused by roads being dug up, years of construction, heavy truck traffic, and constant construction noise will take away the very qualities that attracted so many residents to Burlington." Kea said that there will be temporary construction noise, traffic-related disruptions, and visual impacts to direct abutters. "Temporary traffic disruptions will be mitigated through a coordinated traffic management plan, in collaboration with the municipality," Kea said. "Temporary construction noise will be mitigated through compliance with town noise ordinances." Linskey said plans show electrical towers encroaching on homes and private properties, fundamentally changing the character of Burlington's neighborhoods. She added that when concerns were raised about private properties being encroached upon, representatives initially denied that additional utility poles or transmission lines would be installed. However, when asked why numerous homeowners have surveillance markers placed on their properties, Linskey said they responded that they would need to send representatives to speak individually with those property owners. "This project also raises serious concerns about flooding, environmental impacts, and the long-term financial harm to homeowners through decreased property values," Linskey said. "What will Eversource do to compensate Burlington residents for the loss in property value, the diminished quality of life, and the lasting impacts this project will have on our homes, neighborhoods, and community?" Stepanova said it has not been Eversource's experience that these types of essential facilities, which exist throughout the state, result in a diminution of property values to residential homeowners. Linskey felt Eversource's answers to these questions were very vague. When Linskey asked where 0 Locust St. is and where exactly the substation is going, she felt that Eversource's answers skirted around the question. That would be the entrance and exit points for construction trucks. Stepanova said the proposed preferred site at 0 Locust St. was selected following a comprehensive evaluation of multiple locations using a variety of factors, including electric system needs, engineering feasibility, constructability, environmental considerations, local zoning, community receptors and input, and overall cost. Not because it's cheaper. "The proposed preferred best site balances those factors while allowing the infrastructure to be located where it's needed to safely and reliably serve customers," Stepanova said.

Eversource Energy reported second-quarter 2026 earnings of 87 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 88 cents by 1.14%. Earnings declined 9.4% year-over-year from 96 cents, reflecting pressure in its transmission and natural gas businesses. Revenues of $2.90 billion missed estimates of $3.14 billion by 7.63% but increased 2.3% from the prior-year quarter. Total operating expenses rose 8.6% year-over-year to $2.36 billion, driven by higher purchased power costs, energy efficiency programme costs, and interest expenses. Operating income fell 18.4% to $540.9 million. The electric transmission segment saw earnings drop 11.7% to $183.7 million, whilst natural gas distribution earnings declined 15.9% to $29.7 million. Eversource maintained its 2026 earnings guidance of $4.57-$4.72 per share and its long-term earnings growth target of 5-7% through 2030.