June 26, 2019 - Central Maine Power (CMP) welcomes the approval of the New England Clean Energy Connect contracts by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). After nearly a year of analysis, the DPU’s decision marks another milestone in the public review of this important initiative to bring new clean energy to New England. Policy makers, environmental leaders and supporters of the project in Maine can regard this as further confirmation the project will substantively advance Maine’s and the region’s transition to a cleaner, more affordable, more resilient energy future.
The Massachusetts regulators concluded the NECEC will lower carbon emissions in the region by removing 3 (to 3.6) million metric tons of greenhouse gases per year – the equivalent of removing annual emissions created by 700,000 cars – while providing direct savings to ratepayers for decades to come. The Maine Public Utilities Commission reached similar conclusions regarding the emissions reductions from the NECEC, and their approval included provisions for $258 million in additional local benefits for Mainers, including $18 million in new property taxes for host communities, $15 million in broadband investments, and $30 million for electric vehicles and heat pumps for Maine consumers.
Through this project, CMP is proud to work in partnership with the region’s environmental leaders in response to a changing climate. Hydro-power from Canada delivered by the NECEC will displace electricity primarily from plants that burn coal, oil, and natural gas in New England. The new supply of clean energy will reduce carbon emissions, provide more reliable energy supplies for the region, and help to keep future electricity costs lower for homeowners and businesses, especially in winter when prices for electricity and natural gas can spike.