In a key twist for a controversial $1-billion Maine transmission project set to carry hydroelectric power from Canada to New England, a state jury ruled unanimously on April 20 that the project developer had established “vested rights” to proceed with construction by completing enough physical work before voters blocked work in 2021.
The 145-mile New England Clean Energy Connect project, to be paid for by Massachusetts ratepayers, would supply up to 1,200 MW of Canadian hydropower to the New England power grid and is expected to lower electricity costs. The project is considered essential for the state to meet its large and aggressive plan to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050.
