Massachusetts Ratepayers to Bear $512 Million Cost for Delayed Hydropower Line

The additional cost stems from construction delays of a transmission line intended to bring Canadian hydropower to New England.

The project's total cost has increased from $1 billion to at least $1.5 billion due to inflation and opposition-related delays.
Massachusetts ratepayers are expected to save approximately $3.4 billion over a 20-year contract despite the additional costs.
The transmission line will deliver 1,200 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 1 million homes.
Environmental groups have opposed the project due to the need to clear a new 53-mile section through Maine's woods.
A Maine referendum temporarily halted the project, but it was deemed unconstitutional, allowing construction to resume.