The Albany Times Union reports - “National Grid officials signed a $1 billion contract with NorthEast Power Alliance on Wednesday to upgrade the British-based utility’s transmission infrastructure in upstate New York. The five-year project will involve replacing and upgrading lines, towers, substations and transformers. NEPA is a joint venture between three engineering and construction firms — AMEC, R.G. Vanderweil Engineers and Michels Corp. The signing was at National Grid’s local headquarters on Broadway in Albany. There, Masheed Saidi, National Grid’s executive vice president, said the project will create 500 jobs in upstate New York. She said power will be diverted around lines taken out of service.”