Massachusetts

Transmission Power Line Approval in Maine is Being Appealed

CMP's New England Clean Energy Connect would allow 1,200 megawatts of Canadian hydropower to reach consumers in Massachusetts to meet that state's green energy goals.

The owner of the oil-fired Wyman power station is appealing the Maine Public Utilities Commission's approval of a proposed 145-mile (233-kilometer) transmission line in western Maine.

NextEra Energy Resources on Tuesday said the PUC didn't adequately consider alternatives and said there was not sufficient evidence it would benefit Mainers.

CMP's New England Clean Energy Connect would allow 1,200 megawatts of Canadian hydropower to reach consumers in Massachusetts to meet that state's green energy goals. Commissioners concluded that there are benefits for Maine including reduced carbon pollution, lower electric rates and enhanced energy reliability, along with $258 million in incentives.

Thorn Dickinson, vice president of business development at Avangrid, said an appeal was expected because the project represents "major change in the status quo of Maine's energy market."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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