Rebuilt Power Lines in Leeds Will Improve Reliability for Local Customers

April 25, 2013
Central Maine Power Company (CMP), a subsidiary of Iberdrola USA, has completed work on a $1.74 million power grid project that will improve service to homes and businesses in the northern Androscoggin County town of Leeds.

Central Maine Power Co. (CMP), a subsidiary of Iberdrola USA, has completed work on a $1.74 million power grid project that will improve service to homes and businesses in the northern Androscoggin County town of Leeds.

“The rebuilt lines along Route 106 and Bishop Hill Road in Leeds should provide improved electric delivery service to customers in the area for years into the future,” said CMP spokesperson Gail Rice.

A three-phase line along Bishop Hill Road that had been providing service to the northern part of town had become overloaded and was suffering from considerable wear and tear. The utility opted to move that main “feeder” line to Route 106, also known as Leeds Center Road, and install new three-phase conductor atop poles along that route. Crews then installed new single-phase wire atop poles on Bishop Hill Road. The project included installation of nearly 7 mi of wire atop 177 new utility poles.

The line is fed from the new Monmouth Substation, completed in 2012, as part of the Maine Power Reliability Program.

This is the second major project to be completed in the area in as many years. Last spring, CMP energized a new substation in Leeds, providing a new power source for communities in Northern Androscoggin County. Future plans call for building a tie between the Fish Street and Monmouth Substations on State Route 219.

“With the support of our parent company Iberdrola USA, CMP is investing nearly $430 million building a stronger, smarter grid for Maine,” said CMP President Sara Burns. “CMP’s investments in Leeds and elsewhere are creating thousands of construction jobs, while ensuring long-term grid reliability and capacity for growth.”

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