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Final Permit Clears Way for NECEC Hydropower Line to Power Up This Winter

A final state sign-off on a 50,000-acre conservation plan now positions the Quebec-to-New England line for year-end commissioning.

Overview

  • Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection approved the required 50,000-acre conservation package, delivering the last permit for the New England Clean Energy Connect corridor.
  • Avangrid says testing and commissioning are scheduled to finish by the end of the year, putting the project on track for winter energization.
  • ISO New England has incorporated NECEC and Vineyard Wind into its winter outlook and projects sufficient electricity to meet seasonal demand.
  • The corridor is designed to deliver about 1,200 megawatts of Quebec hydropower into the regional grid through western Maine.
  • Avangrid estimates up to 3.6 million metric tons in annual carbon reductions and roughly $3 billion in net benefits for Massachusetts electric distribution customers.