Below are some frequently asked questions regarding NSTAR's Jamaica Plain System Improvement Project.
How long will this project take?
We are steadily converting key circuits on our Jamaica Plain
electric system to a 13.8 kV system which is a more reliable and
efficient system. Conversion of key circuits started in 2004 and
will continue into 2007. But our work won't end there. As a matter
of regular business, we'll continue to monitor the performance of
all other circuits in Jamaica Plain.
How do I know if I'm going to experience a planned outage as a result of this project?
Often times NSTAR employees are able to work on our system while
it is live, limiting the number of outages customers experience.
However, sometimes NSTAR will need to interrupt the flow of
electricity in an area so our workers can safely carry out their
job. In the event a planned outage is necessary, customers will receive
notification via U.S. mail in advance of the outage.
My lights went out a day later than the outage notice indicated. Why is this?
Sometimes situations arise NSTAR wasn't able to anticipate,
forcing us to reschedule a planned outage. Such situations include
inclement weather, inaccessibility to company equipment (usually due
to parked vehicles) or an unexpected emergency situation when we may
have to redeploy crews.
I experienced a service interruption and didn't receive a letter ahead of time. Why is this?
Sometimes emergency situations arise requiring us to stop the
flow of electricity through parts of our system. Situations,
such as bad weather, a car accident, fallen tree limbs, equipment malfunction
or even a rodent, might result in
an unplanned outage.
What areas of Jamaica Plain will see construction?
NSTAR crews will be working throughout a large part of Jamaica
Plain to complete this large system improvement project. A
project map
is available showing areas where work will be completed,
and an estimation of when work will be completed.
More than 6,000 customers will see a direct benefit from this system improvement project. Two-thirds of those customers reside in Jamaica Plain, with the rest residing in nearby neighborhoods of Boston.
Why don't I see NSTAR employees on my street?
During the project, you won't necessarily see NSTAR workers on
your street or on neighboring streets. Even though you'll see a
benefit to the work we're doing, work done on circuits located
several streets away often improves service in many areas of Jamaica Plain at
the same time.
Will you have to gain access to my property to do work?
In some cases NSTAR might need to access power lines located in
rights of way behind homes. In such a situation, NSTAR will
contact you ahead of time letting you know when approximately NSTAR
employees will be working on nearby power lines and what kind of
access we require to do this work.
What will NSTAR do to ensure reliability after this project is complete?
NSTAR will continue to inspect and monitor
our infrastructure to identify poles and circuits which might need
maintenance in the future. NSTAR will also continue its tree
trimming program to help manage outages stemming from fallen or
encroaching tree limbs. Tree trimming allows for the proper clearance between wires and
trees, increasing both safety and reliability.
I have more questions about this project. Who can I call?
If you would like a Community Relations Representative to
contact you with further information, please
email us.
