Versant Power begins laying 6-mile cable to Swan’s Island

Hancock County, Maine — Starting this week, Versant Power crews and contracted specialty crews are installing a 6-mile undersea cable from Lopaus Point in Tremont to the Swan’s Island shore.

The Swan’s Island undersea electric cable has been damaged over the years due to movement on the rocks caused by waves and tidal action and needs to be replaced to ensure reliable and safe service to islanders.

Marmon Utility LLC-Kerite Cable Services (KCS) of Seymour, CT, a highly experienced marine cable contractor, will be laying the new cable and making the shore connections with the help of Versant crews. The cables will lie on the seabed and will not be buried, leaving the substrate intact and not disturbing marine flora and fauna.

The new cable contains electrical conductors as well as a fiberoptic cable that can transport internet connectivity to the island. Versant worked with Swan’s Island residents interested in bringing cost-effective high-speed internet to the island.

Versant Power purchased the Swan’s Island Electric Cooperative in 2017, offering islanders lower electricity distribution costs as well as more modern meter technology and customer service options.

Earlier this fall, Versant installed a smaller scale undersea cable to Islesford.

Versant Power is committed to delivering safe, reliable electric service. As the state's second-largest electric utility, the company delivers electricity to more than 160,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across 10,400 square miles in northern and eastern Maine.