
This map from the UI website shows the 4-mile route of the power lines and poles that will be replaced.
ANSONIA/DERBY/SHELTON – United Illuminating’s century-old transmission lines-powering homes in Ansonia, Derby and Shelton-are in line for a major, modern-day makeover.
A team from UI held an informational session Thursday (July 14) at Ansonia City Hall to discuss the ‘Derby Junction to Ansonia 115-kV Transmission Line Rebuild Project.’
The project calls for rebuilding the existing transmission lines along a 4.1‑mile corridor between ‘Derby Junction’ in Shelton at Indian Wells, crossing the Housatonic River and into portions of Derby and Ansonia, ending at the existing Ansonia substation located off Wakelee Avenue.
Essentially UI is talking about replacing major transmission lines and the structures that hold them from Shelton High School, across the Housatonic River, through Derby all the way to the area of Nolan Field in Ansonia.
The existing lines consist of 34, double circuit lattice-style structures and seven monopole structures.
UI has proposed replacing the near-100-year old structures with a combination of double circuit and a few single circuit, galvanized steel monopoles. UI officials said the purpose is to improve the reliability of the electric transmission system — built in 1924 — for customers.
While the transmission lines have been upgraded several times over the years, UI Project Manager Kevin McMahon said a major replacement of the electric infrastructure is due.
“The conductors are at the end of their useful life,” said McMahon. “The lattice structures are 100 years old and are not efficient anymore.”
UI has a hearing before the CT Siting Council on July 28, which needs to grant permits and approval for the project.
If all goes accordingly, UI plans to start construction in August 2023 on the Shelton side and work its way into Derby and Ansonia, with plans to complete the entire rebuild by the end of 2024.
The project is projected to cost between $50 million and $60 million.
The public will have an opportunity to ask questions or air any concerns they may have about the project at the Siting Council’s hearing via Zoom. More details about the virtual meeting and full project details, including a video, interactive Google map to see if your home is along the project route and construction timeline, can be found online at:
While UI officials told the handful of residents at Thursday’s hearing that the project aims is to have the least amount of impact on neighbors, wildlife and wetlands along the project route, some still expressed concerns.
Hawkins Road resident Thomas Henri has lived in Ansonia for 25 years and lives near one of the massive transmission towers in line for a makeover.
“There is a lot wildlife, like bears, deer, fisher cats and birds in the area, and I know there’s a nesting spot for hawks at Osbornedale State Park (one of the tower locations),” Henri said.
UI’s Manager of Environmental Programs and Projects Todd Berman said protecting the environment is key for this project.
“We’ll look at alternate ways to access the land if any wetlands are involved, and we will also be on the lookout for eagles and sage wrens, and will be cognizant of any bird’s nests-we’re being very sensitive to that,” said Berman.
Ron Tarini, who has lived at Reichelt Terrance in Ansonia for more than 50 years, expressed some concerns about potential noise associated with construction.
“I have a pole right in my backyard and I’m worried about blasting and them possibly using helicopters,” Tarini said.
UI’s Project Construction Manager Matt Scully told residents the project won’t require any use of helicopters or blasting.
Shelton’s Conversation Commission Chairman Tom Harbinson raised a few questions about whether any public areas of Osborndale Park would be impacted by UI needing to expand its rights of way in some areas, and was glad to hear it won’t be. Harbinson also inquired as to whether the height of the new monopoles — some will be 120 feet tall — would require lighting at the top per F.A.A. regulations. The poles, however, will not require special lighting, UI officials said.
The poles will also be built to withstand Category 3 hurricanes and major snow and ice storms, officials said.
Customers’ electric service will also not be interrupted during construction, officials said.
Berman also noted that homeowners living along the project route will be contacted by UI officials if consent is needed to enter their properties, and neighbors will also be notified when construction will begin. Berman encouraged people to visit the website regularly for project updates.
More information about the project can be found online at:
www.derbyjunctionansoniatransmissionlinerebuild.com or by calling 1 – 888-848‑3697.

This illustration shows an old tower on the left. It will be replaced with the new tower on the right.