Eversource Energy : Merrimack Valley Reliability Project Delivers Regional Benefits

Key project of ISO-NE's solution to strengthen regional energy system completed under budget and on schedule

MANCHESTER, N.H. (December 6, 2017) - Eversource has completed construction of the Merrimack Valley Reliability Project (MVRP), a top priority to strengthen the energy system in response to forecasted load growth. In partnership with National Grid, the energy company began construction of the 345 kV transmission line between Londonderry, New Hampshire and Tewksbury, Massachusetts in the fall of 2016 and will put the new transmission line into service this month.

'The completion of Merrimack Valley Reliability project construction is a significant achievement that will help answer an urgent need identified by the regional grid operator to enhance reliable service for energy customers throughout the region,' said Eversource New Hampshire President Bill Quinlan. 'In addition to being completed under budget and on schedule, the project successfully created hundreds of jobs for New Hampshire workers and injected millions of dollars into the local economy.'

The MVRP runs along existing utility rights-of-way, with approximately 18 miles through Londonderry, Hudson, Windham, and Pelham in New Hampshire and approximately 6.5 miles through Dracut, Andover, and Tewksbury in Massachusetts, for a total length of approximately 24.5 miles. Eversource worked closely with Londonderry and Hudson officials and property owners every step of the way, fulfilling all commitments to mitigate impacts from the project as promised, and maintaining constant communication with residents and local officials throughout construction.

'Eversource made every effort to work with property owners and I appreciated the company's responsiveness throughout construction,' said Londonderry State Rep. Doug Thomas. 'It's good to know that the work was completed professionally, carefully, safely, and in an efficient and quality manner. I am confident that the integrity of this project is in excellent hands and that this project will serve its purpose of helping to maintain the reliability of the New England energy grid for many years to come.'

Eversource and National Grid jointly invested a total of nearly $129 million in New Hampshire and Massachusetts to bolster the regional infrastructure. Project construction included many local workers, including Michels Corporation, lineworkers from IBEW Local 104 and a core group of New Hampshire-based management and companies, including: U.S. Silt & Site Supply, Bow; Redimix Companies Inc., Manchester; New England Mat Company, Winchester; and, Busby Construction, Atkinson. ES Boulos Company utilized lineworkers, electricians and laborers from New Hampshire Local Unions 104, 490 and 976 to complete substation construction, as well as New Hampshire based crane services, suppliers and material distributors.

'The Merrimack Valley Reliability project is a great example of the positive impact a transmission project can have on local economies by creating local jobs and by energizing local businesses,' Quinlan added. 'We're proud to have achieved this significant milestone so that the project can begin delivering enhanced service for all our customers.'

Eversource (NYSE: ES) is New Hampshire's largest electric utility, serving more than 500,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns and is proud to be recognized as the top contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. Recognized as the top U.S. utility for its energy efficiency programs by the sustainability advocacy organization Ceres, Eversource harnesses the commitment of its approximately 8,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and superior customer service. For more information, please visit our website (www.eversource.com) and follow us on Twitter (@eversourceNH) and Facebook (facebook.com/EversourceNH).

CONTACT:BR> Martin MurrayBR> 603-634-2228BR>martin.murray@eversource.com

Kaitlyn WoodsBR> 603-634-2418BR>kaitlyn.woods@eversource.com