A Vermont utility company wants to invest $15.5 million to upgrade transmission lines and build a new substation to help reduce the strain on the power grid.

Green Mountain Power has applied for a certificate of public good to reduce congestion on the Sheffield-Highgate Export Interface, The Caledonian Record reported.

The project will increase reliability and reduce congestion and could result in economic benefits to electricity customers, Doug Smith wrote on behalf of the company to Vermont utility regulators.

According to the publication, the constraints on the grid have put a hold on some solar projects, including two in Jay and one in Derby.

The proposal includes building a new substation; upgrading 1.5 miles of power line in Lowell, Eden, Johnson and Morristown; and upgrading 18 miles of transmission line from Johnson and Lowell.

The company has requested commission approval for the project by April 1 in order to allow Morrisville and Johnson water and light departments to hold a vote during their annual meetings.