- Project planning
- Field work
- Surveys
- Engineering design
- Initial stakeholder and public engagement
Example announcement banner.
Key info, dates, times.
Example announcement banner.
Key info, dates, times.
Rebuilding our grid for a resilient, reliable future.
The Ayer-Sterling Rebuild Project will upgrade electrical infrastructure along approximately 15 miles of two existing transmission lines between the towns of Ayer and Sterling.
National Grid is proposing to replace the aging wood structures with steel structures and include modern communication and protection enhancements. As a utility, National Grid regularly reviews the condition of our system to make sure that it can reliably serve our customers. This process helps us find needed repairs or upgrades as our system ages and faces wear and tear.
Construction is estimated to begin in 2029 and be completed in 2033.
View Project Timeline
Updating the structures from wood to steel will help mitigate inefficiencies that arise with age and add protection against extreme weather and wildlife damage.
Replacing the 69 kV structures with 115 kV-capable structures will accommodate future capacity needs to support the anticipated increases in electrification and energy use in the area, though the line will continue to operate at 69 kV.
There are no planned outages for customers during construction. There are also no plans to condense the lines into one, expand, or reduce the right-of-way.
The Ayer-Sterling Rebuild Project is located within an existing right-of-way that spans approximately 15 miles and be located in the towns of Ayer, Shirley, Lunenburg, Lancaster, Leominster, and Sterling in Worcester and Middlesex counties, Mass.
Download detailed PDF maps by town: Ayer Shirley Lunenburg Lancaster Leominster Sterling
Rebuilding a transmission line is a multi-year process. It begins with outreach, field assessments, and vegetation management. Then, we begin the regulatory process with the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) to obtain a permit. If approved, construction would begin in 2029 and finish in 2033.
The project team is committed to engaging all affected community members, business, town and city officials. We will host open houses and present at select boards and city council meetings. Dates for these events will be posted once they are scheduled. A dedicated project hotline and email will also be available.
Have a question or comment about the project? Let us know!
Join us at public open house meetings in the project area.
Let’s connect. Request a presentation to your organization.
The Ayer-Sterling Reliability Project is a proposed National Grid transmission project located in Central Massachusetts. The project will modernize the U21 (originally built in 1920s) and V22 (originally built in 1970s) transmission lines. While these transmission circuits were refurbished in the 2000s, the structures are experiencing condition issues.
The two lines play a critical role in maintaining reliability in Central Massachusetts and other regions. Their modernization will help maintain reliability while preparing for potential future demand.
The project spans 15-miles from the towns of Ayer, Devens, Shirley, Lunenburg, Lancaster, Leominster, and Sterling. Most work will occur within National Grid’s right of way.
National Grid is committed to keeping residents, businesses, local officials, and community groups informed and engaged throughout the project process. There will be several opportunities to meet and provide feedback to project representatives.
