Somerville committee hears Eversource on grid modernization, supply‑chain risks and potential rate impacts

Eversource representatives updated the Somerville City Council committee on April 7 about the utility’s Electric Sector Modernization Plan and the company’s planning for substation, distribution and underground‑cable upgrades needed to support decarbonization and electrification.

City officials said they want timely public communication if project cost or timing pressures translate into higher utility bills for ratepayers. “I will be unsurprised if capital or project cost increase or if project timelines lengthen,” Councilor Davis said, urging Eversource to notify the public if those pressures would pass through to monthly bills.

The utility described supply‑chain and cost pressures that it says are already affecting procurement. “Since COVID, we continue to experience supply chain challenges, that without question, I think is impacting our purchasing strategy,” said Jason…