Rhode Island Energy has started upgrading electrical infrastructure in Newport’s Long Wharf area as part of the city’s $128 million capital improvement plan, the utility announced Tuesday.
Crews are installing new underground electric cables to upgrade the city’s sewage pump station by increasing supply voltage, according to the company. The work also includes upgrading and extending existing electrical feeders in the Long Wharf and America’s Cup Avenue area to support increased electric load.
The project involves installing new underground cables beneath roadways that will connect to existing infrastructure beyond Long Wharf. The interconnected design is expected to improve outage restoration times and overall system reliability, Rhode Island Energy said.
“Partnering with Rhode Island Energy, we are pleased to see this important work being done to bolster critical electric infrastructure in the city,” Newport City Council Chair Charlie Holder said in a statement. “Completing this proactive work will both enhance and modernize the city’s electric system, ensuring Newporters have the energy they need to power their homes and businesses for years to come.”
The utility said the upgrades will increase capacity, enhance reliability and modernize the electrical system serving the area.
Rhode Island Energy provides electricity and natural gas services to more than 770,000 customers across Rhode Island. The company is part of PPL Corporation and employs more than 1,300 people statewide.