Maine Public Utilities Commission approves New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line

The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) recently approved Central Maine Power Company’s Petition for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the New England Clean Energy Connect Project (NECEC).

The proposed transmission line would stretch 145 miles from the Maine/Quebec border to Lewiston, Maine. It would provide 1,200 megawatts (MW) of transmission capacity and deliver electricity to the New England Grid from hydro-power resources in Québec.

“We are thrilled that the Commission has voted in favor of this project,” Doug Herling, president and CEO of Central Maine Power, said. “This approval marks a major milestone for the NECEC and for the region’s efforts to secure a future of clean, reliable energy. Today’s decision confirms the New England Clean Energy Connect will deliver environmental, economic, energy security, and other benefits for Maine and for consumers throughout New England.”

The unanimous approval follows an 18-month analysis weighing the impacts and benefits of the project for Maine consumers. The commissioners acknowledged that the project may impact scenic and recreational values as well as tourism in communities near the project. However, the PUC determined that the ratepayer, economic and environmental benefits of the project outweighed the adverse effects.

Central Maine Power proposed the project in response to a solicitation by Massachusetts utilities prompted by the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act, which set goals to expand supplies of electricity from clean, renewable sources.