Galvanized steel poles will replace more than 130 wood structures on CMP's Section 53 from Auburn to Norway.

Project Overview

Central Maine Power (CMP) is investing in transmission line upgrades to continue providing our customers with safe, reliable service and to strengthen Maine’s energy grid. This is especially important as our state experiences more extreme weather and storms.

Transmission lines, along with substations, are the "backbone” of CMP’s grid that serve large numbers of customers. Our company regularly inspects our lines to ensure each grid component is performing according to standards. During recent inspections of transmission lines throughout CMP’s service area, we identified wooden structures that need replacing.

Existing structure

River

Proposed structure

River
At left: An existing wooden structure that will be replaced. At right: a visual rendering of a steel pole that will replace it.

Project Scope

CMP is undertaking a three-year program to upgrade wooden structures with new, stronger steel poles that have longer lifespans and are engineered to modern specifications that improve grid reliability.

CMP will be replacing more than 500 transmission line structures throughout its service area between 2025-2027.

Abutters and neighbors to project sites can expect:

  • Access: CMP crews will be accessing our transmission line corridor via roads where CMP has access rights or legal agreements with property owners or towns.
  • Flagging: CMP crews will be visiting transmission line sites that are scheduled for upgrades to measure and mark property boundaries and environmentally sensitive areas. Please do not remove any staked flags.
  • Matting: Timber ground mats will be used, especially in environmentally sensitive areas, to safely disburse the weight of construction vehicles and not disrupt the land below them.
  • Permits: CMP will secure all municipal, state, and federal permits, if required. 
  • Pole heights: The new steel structures will be, on average, five feet taller. The older wooden poles will be removed. 
  • Outages: Most of CMP’s construction work will be completed without customers experiencing an interruption of service.
  • Work hours and noise: Work activity periods will comply with town ordinances. Typical construction noise, including drilling, will occur. Abutters may hear heavy equipment (bucket trucks, cranes, and excavators) during construction activities.
  • Safety: Transmission crews will be working along streets, including transmission line corridor entrances. Flaggers and signs will notify pedestrians and motorists of work zones. 

At CMP, safety is a priority – yours and our crews. Our right-of-way and road locations will be active construction zones. Please do not enter work zones.

Project Map

The Structure Replacement Program Interactive Map shows locations where poles will be replaced. Enter your address in the search bar to see where work may be planned in your area.

Get in touch

For more information about the Structure Replacement Program, please contact Project Outreach. A specialist will be in touch with you.

T: 888-267-0831
E: [email protected]

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