Below are some frequently asked questions regarding NSTAR's
Brookline System Improvement Project.
How long will this project take?
We are steadily converting key circuits on our Brookline
electric system to a 13.8 kV system, which is more reliable
and more efficient . Conversion of key circuits started in 2002
and will continue into this summer. But our work won't end
there. As a matter of regular business, we'll continue to
monitor the performance of all other circuits in Brookline.
How do I know if I'm going to experience a planned outage as
a result of this project?
Often times NSTAR employees are able to work on our system while
it is live, limiting the number of outages customers experience.
However, sometimes NSTAR will need to interrupt the flow of
electricity in an area so our workers can safely carry out their
job. In the event a planned outage is necessary, customers will
receive notification via U.S. mail or by phone in advance of the
outage.
Why didn’t I get a letter or phone call about the planned
service interruptions?
Notifications are sent to a customer’s billing address and phone
number of record. Occasionally, customers choose to have bills
sent to their work or provide secondary numbers when
establishing service. Please make sure that your information is
current and provides NSTAR the best opportunity to notify you of
planned work. Also, if you share your address or phone number
with others, please alert them to the fact that notifications
are sent to these points of contact so that they promptly relay
messages to you.
My lights went out a day later than the outage notice
indicated. Why is this?
Sometimes situations arise NSTAR wasn't able to anticipate,
forcing us to reschedule a planned outage. Such situations
include inclement weather, inaccessibility to company equipment
(usually due to parked vehicles) or an unexpected emergency
situation when we may have to redeploy crews.
I experienced a service interruption and didn't receive a
letter ahead of time. Why is this?
Sometimes emergency situations arise requiring us to stop the
flow of electricity through parts of our system. Situations,
such as bad weather, a car accident, fallen tree limbs,
equipment malfunction or even a rodent coming in contact with
our wires, might result in an unplanned outage.
What areas of Brookline will see construction?
NSTAR crews will be working throughout a large part of Brookline
to complete this large system improvement project. Most work
will take place north of Beacon Street in the Coolidge Corner,
Winchester Street, and Saint Paul Street areas. The balance of
the work will take place in Brookline Village. Several thousand
customers will see a direct benefit from this system improvement
project.
Why don't I see NSTAR employees on my street?
During the project, you won't necessarily see NSTAR workers on
your street or on neighboring streets. Even though you'll see a
benefit to the work we're doing, work done on circuits located
several streets away often improves service in many areas of
Brookline at the same time.
Will you have to gain access to my property to do work?
In some cases NSTAR might need to access power lines located in
rights of way behind homes. In such a situation, NSTAR will
contact you ahead of time letting you know when approximately
NSTAR employees will be working on nearby power lines and what
kind of access we require to do this work.
What will NSTAR do to ensure reliability after this project
is complete?
NSTAR will continue to inspect and monitor our infrastructure to
identify poles and circuits which might need maintenance in the
future. NSTAR will also continue its tree trimming program to
help manage outages stemming from fallen or encroaching tree
limbs. Tree trimming allows for the proper clearance between
wires and trees, increasing both safety and reliability.
I have more questions about this project. Who can I call?
If you would like a Community Relations Representative to
contact you with further information, please
email us.
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