Newton City Council Reviews Dead End Street Electrification Plans with National Grid

Newton City officials are taking steps to address community concerns regarding electrification plans for dead-end streets, following a recent Public Facilities Committee meeting on July 16, 2025. The committee discussed the potential inclusion of Colgate Road and Hager Road in a pilot program aimed at enhancing electrification in the area.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that Colgate Road is a private way, which raised questions about the city's jurisdiction and the need for property owner consent before proceeding with electrification efforts. Committee members expressed the importance of consulting with residents living on these streets to gauge their interest in the proposed changes.

National Grid is currently revising its plans and has identified 19 dead-end streets for potential electrification. The committee agreed to hold off on any decisions regarding Colgate and Hager Roads until National Grid finalizes its engineering review. This delay will allow for a comprehensive assessment of the streets and ensure that community input is considered.

Additionally, the committee discussed the timeline for submitting streets for the 2026 Gas System Enhancement Plan (GSEP). To qualify for funding, decisions regarding which streets to include must be made by mid-September. The committee plans to compile a list of all dead-end and cul-de-sac streets in Newton to facilitate this process.

The discussions reflect a proactive approach by city officials to balance infrastructure improvements with community engagement, ensuring that residents have a voice in decisions that affect their neighborhoods. As the city moves forward, the emphasis will be on collaboration with residents and timely decision-making to secure funding for electrification projects.