Council asks town manager to seek meeting with Rhode Island Energy about substation work, undergrounding and drainage

Town Manager Sullivan updated the council on planned Rhode Island Energy projects affecting Warren, and the council directed staff to set a meeting with the utility to review a proposed undergrounding of a line along the bike path and to explore whether drainage improvements can be integrated into the scope.

Sullivan said Rhode Island Energy told staff it will upgrade infrastructure at the Norbert Street substation and that some large equipment will be delivered in July. The utility also plans a distribution project to replace poles and install underground lines along stretches of Water Street and the town’s bike path, with a target start date in 2026 for some components.

“Rhode Island Energy is looking to put [a line] underground… a portion of the bike path may be closed down,” Sullivan said. Council members raised concerns about drainage problems near the substation and along Hope and Norbert streets and asked the manager and public‑works director to press Rhode Island Energy to address drainage while undergrounding or conducting other heavy work.

Councilor Rago (Rego) moved and the council approved asking the manager and DPW director to meet with Rhode Island Energy to discuss the underground work, routes for large deliveries, timing to avoid overlapping town projects, and whether drainage fixes can be incorporated. The council also requested that the manager coordinate with the police chief on traffic impacts and with the state if closures would affect Route 114/Main Street.

The council asked that a written update be brought back to the council following the meeting with Rhode Island Energy.