Eversource Builds U.S. Pioneering Underground Substation As Part Of Greater Cambridge Energy Initiative

Eversource, along with representatives from BXP, community partners, and state and local officials, has officially started construction on the Greater Cambridge Energy Program (GCEP). This groundbreaking project is designed to meet the region’s growing electricity needs, improve grid reliability, and support the shift toward clean energy and electrification.

A key feature of GCEP is Eversource’s first underground substation—the largest in the U.S. at 35,000 square feet—located 105 feet below new public green space between Broadway and Binney Street. Integrated into BXP’s Life Sciences Center at the former Kendall Center Blue Garage site, this innovative substation will help power the city’s transition to cleaner energy. It is designed to support full residential heating electrification and reduce commercial gas demand by 50%.

Joe Nolan, Eversource Chairman and President, said “Working with our partners at BXP, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority and the City of Cambridge, the Greater Cambridge Energy Program is a creative solution that helps shape a more sustainable and resilient energy future for our customers in the region. By taking a collaborative approach with the community and local leaders, this critical energy infrastructure meets several needs for our customers and the region’s energy supply while helping to enable the clean energy transition.”

Yi-An Huang, Cambridge City Manager, stated, “Making the transition to a clean energy economy requires creative, tenacious partnerships like the Greater Cambridge Energy Program. This region is experiencing a surge of new residential and commercial development, while at the same time moving away from fossil fuels. This generates a growing demand for a reliable electrical grid. The Greater Cambridge Energy Program helps address the increased energy needs in the region, enhance the resiliency and reliability of the grid to reliably serve customers in our community, and support the decarbonization goals of both Cambridge and the Commonwealth. Today is a very exciting milestone for our shared goals.”

“The CRA and the City of Cambridge successfully leveraged the value of Kendall Square’s development rights to turn a planning challenge into a groundbreaking opportunity. Through a public-private partnership with Eversource and BXP, we are transforming a parking garage into vital utility infrastructure, cutting-edge lab space for life sciences research, and vibrant open space that enhances the neighborhood,” commented Tom Evans, Executive Director of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.

The project also includes installing eight new 115 kV underground transmission lines across 8.3 miles in Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston, along with upgrades to five substations and the construction of 48 new distribution lines. Eversource aims to start bringing GCEP online in 2029, with full completion expected by 2031. The project will create around 500 full-time jobs throughout its development.