[MassHistPres] Electrical transformers in historic districts

[slater at alum.rpi.edu]

I'm trying to learn more about this issue, I'm hoping someone on this
list has some information.

Our local electric company is proposing to install several pad mounted
transformers in one of our historic districts. The service in this
district is primarily underground, and there are apparently existing
transformers currently underground.

The electric company is stating that they want to move some of these
devices above ground to improve reliability in the area. One is to be
about 2.5 feet tall, and about 4' square. The other is supposedly about
5 feet in height.

I would like to learn about other options so that I am not at the mercy
of what the electric company tells me. For example, is it imperative
that these devices move above ground, or is this merely the most
convenient method for the electric company? Is there any flexibility in
siting these devices - for example, could they be moved 1/2 mile so they
would be out of the district? 

I need to be able to separate true hardship from "it's going to cost the
electric company a bit more money" from "it can only be done this way,
period". In prior dealings regarding meters being moved from the
basement to the outside [front] of houses, the electric company has told
us that they will only do it the way they want to, which means that the
historical commission's decision prevents the upgrade of electrical
service.

We have not had such devices installed in our districts, so we have no
precedent in Springfield. Have other communities dealt with this matter?

Thanks,

Ralph Slate
Chair, Springfield Historical Commission 
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