This history preserves the anonymized wording and earlier written responses in the imported project records. Earlier responses may describe a previous design or contain wording now under review. Use the linked consolidated question for the current response status.
A source record can contain several questions. These records are not a count of individual submissions or people. Original messages and dates are still being reconciled; this history does not establish that every project submission has been captured.
Showing 2 of 211 source records
Community Public Forum · September 30, 2026Why not build this in Springfield or somewhere else?
We looked at substations across the market. A site has to meet three tests: a substation that can support storage, land that can actually be built on (many sites are wetlands or otherwise unbuildable), and a landowner who is willing to lease. Very few sites passed all three.
How the issues were handled
A written response is recorded. Sending an individual reply, considering feedback, and making a design change require separate evidence.
Why not Springfield, an industrial site, or somewhere else? Individual reply: not confirmed. Consideration: not recorded. Design change: not confirmed.
Website and email · August 4, 2026What other locations were evaluated, including previously developed or industrial land, and why were they rejected?
Earlier written draft (answers as of October 7, 2026)
ESA has looked at essentially every substation in ISO New England, the region's grid operator, with a focus on Massachusetts, where electricity demand is highest and growing the most. A site has to meet three tests: a substation that can support storage, land that can actually be built on (many sites are wetlands or otherwise unbuildable), and a landowner who is willing to lease. Very few sites passed all three. ESA has site control at other substations as well. At others, another developer already had site control of the available land.
How the issues were handled
A written response is recorded. Sending an individual reply, considering feedback, and making a design change require separate evidence.
Why not Springfield, an industrial site, or somewhere else? Individual reply: not confirmed. Consideration: not recorded. Design change: not confirmed.
