BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) – The state’s electricity providers say they have enough power to get through the summer, but potential shortages caused by increased demand and transmission constraints could crop up as early as 2006.

A cool summer and extra generation brought online during the past few years are helping to keep power supplies satisfactory.

“This summer we’re in fairly good shape, but we definitely have some shoring up to do,” said Steve Costello, spokesman for Central Vermont Public Service Corp., the state’s largest power supplier with 148,000 customers.

The short-term assurances are in line with a forecast made in April by Independent System Operator New England Inc., the six-state group that manages interstate transmissions of electricity in the region.

ISO New England’s report hinted at potential future problems stemming from transmission constraints in southwest Connecticut and northeastern Massachusetts. The constraints may also cause shortages in northwestern Vermont.

The state relies on the transmission system to bring in energy from Canada, New York and other parts of New England. If the transmission system used to carry this power to Vermont is not upgraded, the state “could face perennial power outages” by 2006, according to an ISO New England news release.

“As we see more air conditioners, bigger homes, we need to beef up the transmission system,” said Stephen Whitley, ISO New England’s chief operating officer.

Vermont Electric Power Co. Inc. is trying to win approval for its Northwest Reliability Project, which would include building a 345-kilovolt transmission line between West Rutland and New Haven.

VELCO spokesman David Mace said the current transmission system is “vulnerable” even during this cooler summer that has not stressed the power system too much.

“We believe this is a strong justification for constructing the Northwest Reliability Project as soon as possible,” he said.

The plan has raised the ire of some who say the project will be an eyesore that will lead to lower property values and increased health risks.

State regulators recently pushed back the schedule for reaching a decision on the project, and are seeking more information about the proposal.

AP-ES-08-01-04 0907EDT