Canada Energy Regulator Approval – Interconnection Project with Maine Gets the Final Green Light

EIN 27 hydro quebec 400

The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) issued the permit authorizing the construction and operation of the Appalaches–Maine Interconnection line. This infrastructure will link to the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) line, whose construction began in Maine in February 2021. The project now has all the permits required for construction, from Saint-Adrien-d’Irlande in Québec to the City of Lewiston in Maine.

The CER’s authorization comes after a 21-month evaluation, which included a period for public comment.

“This green light recognizes the significant work carried out to date by our teams and our partners in the communities,” underscored Sophie Brochu, President and CEO of Hydro-Québec. “We are going ahead with a project that respects the highest environmental and engineering standards, and that has been favorably received by the various host communities.”  

Work will begin in the coming weeks, with commissioning slated for 2023. The Québec government authorized the project on April 7, 2021, whereas the Commission de protection du territoire agricole and the Régie de l’énergie gave their approvals in December and July 2020, respectively.  

The new Appalaches–Maine–NECEC line will carry 1,200 megawatts of Québec hydroelectricity to New England.  The interconnection will supply Massachusetts with 9.45 terawatthours of clean Québec hydropower. In addition, through an agreement signed with Maine last summer, Maine will receive 0.5 terawatthours annually for 20 years.

The route selected in Québec for the 320-kV direct current line extends 100 km between Appalaches substation in Saint-Adrien-d’Irlande (near Thetford Mines) and a connection point in the municipality of Frontenac in Estrie on the Québec–Maine border. The project also calls for the installation of a converter at Appalaches substation, which will convert alternating current to direct current to supply the new interconnection. The length of the line route in Maine is 233 km.

Source

 

Related Articles

Latest Articles

  • Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition– A Road Map: Section 56

    Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition– A Road Map: Section 56

    February 6, 2026 By William (Bill) Burr The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or Read More…

  • 3D Printing: Inside Lighting’s Next Revolution

    February 5, 2026 While 3D printing in mass production was once a dream, advancements in the technology have moved it more into the mainstream. The technique, which is also referred to as additive manufacturing, has rapidly evolved from a niche prototyping tool into a transformative production method for many sectors, including the lighting industry. As Read More…

  • Microgrids & Power Quality: Designing Resilient, Clean Facility Power

    Microgrids & Power Quality: Designing Resilient, Clean Facility Power

    February 5, 2026 In an era of extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and ever‑rising energy demands, many facility managers are rethinking their relationship with the grid. Microgrids offer a way to take control and operate autonomously when necessary. A microgrid is more than just backup, when designed properly, it becomes a platform for resiliency, efficiency, and Read More…

  • ITC 101: Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures

    ITC 101: Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures

    February 5, 2026 Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures NEMA Ratings are an essential classification system used across North America to define the environmental and mechanical protection provided by electrical enclosures. Developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), these ratings help engineers, installers, and specifiers identify the appropriate enclosure type for industrial, commercial, and outdoor Read More…

Changing Scene

  • Lighting What’s Next: Stanpro Celebrates 65 Years

    Lighting What’s Next: Stanpro Celebrates 65 Years

    February 6, 2026 “We didn’t get here by standing still. For 65 years, we’ve shaped how we think, how we design, and what responsibility means,” the company said in a LinkedIn post. “Today, that thinking takes a new form. Not to change who we are, but to express our evolution more clearly. This is Stanpro, Read More…

  • Housing Priorities on Track in New Brunswick, but More Work to do: Hickey

    Housing Priorities on Track in New Brunswick, but More Work to do: Hickey

    February 6, 2026 Efforts to support the creation of new affordable housing and reduce chronic homelessness are on track, but there is still lots of work to do, according to David Hickey, the minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation. New data indicates progress has been made on three key government priorities related to Read More…

  • BJ Electric is now Bernie’s Electric Supplies Ltd

    BJ Electric is now Bernie’s Electric Supplies Ltd

    February 6, 2026 BJ Electric had been teasing a major announcement on their social media recently, before finally announcing last week they have rebranded as Bernie’s Electric Supplies Ltd, a nod to the company’s founder and legacy. “BJ Electric Supplies is now Bernie’s Electric Supplies—in honor of our founder, Bernard Joseph Thompson, and the values Read More…

  • The Government of Canada Introduces the Build Canada Homes Act

    The Government of Canada Introduces the Build Canada Homes Act

    February 6, 2026 The Government of Canada has introduced the Build Canada Homes Act, legislation that will establish Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation whose mandate will be dedicated to building affordable housing in communities across the country. As Canada’s affordable housing builder, this legislation will equip Build Canada Homes with the necessary tools to Read More…