After years of legal battles and community opposition, a proposed electrical substation in East Boston has been given the green light to move forward. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in favor of utility company Eversource, allowing them to construct the substation on a contaminated site along Chelsea Creek. Despite objections from environmental advocates and an overwhelming 84% of voters who opposed the project in a non-binding ballot question, construction began in January 2023 and will now continue unimpeded.
The substation has faced criticism due to its location on polluted soil and concerns about potential environmental impacts on the surrounding area. Residents of East Boston and local officials have been vocal in their opposition to the project, but their objections were ultimately overruled by the state’s highest court.
Eversource maintains that the substation is necessary to meet growing energy demands in the region and ensure reliable electricity service for customers. The company has been working closely with state and local regulators to address concerns and mitigate any potential negative effects of the project.
Moving forward, Eversource will continue with construction of the substation, which is expected to be completed in the near future. Despite the controversy surrounding the project, the utility company remains committed to providing safe and reliable energy to residents of East Boston and the surrounding areas.
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