Massachusetts Ratepayers to Bear Additional $512 Million for Delayed Hydropower Transmission Project

Three Massachusetts utilities, in collaboration with Central Maine Power’s parent company, have consented to pass an additional $512 million in costs onto ratepayers. These costs stem from delays in constructing a transmission line in Maine, designed to transport Canadian hydropower to the New England grid. The project’s expenses have escalated from $1 billion to $1.5 billion, attributed to inflation and opposition-induced delays. Despite the increased costs, proponents argue that the initiative remains economically viable, projecting long-term savings of approximately $3.4 billion over a 20-year period and significant reductions in carbon emissions. The transmission line is expected to supply 1,200 megawatts of clean energy, sufficient to power about one million homes, thereby aiding Massachusetts in achieving its clean energy objectives. The project has faced various regulatory and legal challenges but is anticipated to be completed by late next year. Read more.