AUGUSTA (AP) – Central Maine Power on Tuesday announced the start of an effort to improve the reliability of the bulk power transmission lines, substations and control facilities that link Maine with the rest of New England and Canada.

The Maine Power Reliability Program is aimed at addressing the growth over the last four decades that’s taxing the power grid.

“The transmission lines that make up the backbone of our system were built in the early 1970s,” said CMP President Sara Burns. “Those lines are now like a congested roadway with too many cars and trucks.”

All told, $340 million has been invested over the past five years in the system, which has operated reliably for almost 40 years without significant changes.

By late 2007, CMP expects to complete a comprehensive study of the region’s power needs and electrical infrastructure in coordination with the Independent System Operator for New England.

The study will include a 10-year load forecast, an evaluation of the performance of the existing grid and an assessment of alternatives for reinforcing the system’s reliability and capacity. Any projects would be subject to review and approval of the Maine Public Utilities Commission, ISO-NE, and other regulatory authorities.