Central Maine Power: Statement 2-21-2019

February 21, 2019

”This agreement reflects the support of the New England Clean Energy Connect has received from key voices, including government officials, non-government organizations and environmental advocates.  Their support will promote investment in Maine’s electrical grid to deliver vitally needed clean, affordable energy to Maine and New England, and it represents a new stage in the region’s clean energy transformation.”

Media Contact:

John H. Carroll
Director, Corporate Communications
AVANGRID
(207) 458-9889

Avangrid’s Torgerson Highlights New England Clean Energy Projects

Avangrid’s Torgerson highlights New England clean energy projects

Projects Expected To Provide 2GW of Renewable Energy and Provide Thousands of Jobs

BOSTON, Mass. — Nov. 2, 2018 — New England is embracing the opportunity to be a national clean energy pioneer, AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) CEO James P. Torgerson told North American energy industry leaders on Friday.

Speaking at the New England-Canada Business Council’s 26th Annual U.S.-Canada Energy Trade & Technology Conference, Torgerson highlighted the Orange, Connecticut-based company’s two major projects designed to inject a combined 2 gigawatts of renewable energy into the New England power grid and create thousands of jobs.

“AVANGRID is investing in a cleaner, smarter energy future — both here in New England and nationally,” said Torgerson. At the conference, Torgerson provided an introduction for the keynote speaker, former U.S. Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest J. Moniz.

Torgerson said Vineyard Wind, a 50/50 joint venture of Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), is poised to build the nation’s first large-scale offshore wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts, pending approvals. He discussed the synergy between Vineyard Wind and another pending AVANGRID project: the New England Clean Energy Connect proposal to transport 1,200 megawatts of hydropower from the Canadian border to the New England power grid.

“These projects present clear synergies,” Torgerson said. “When Vineyard Wind is fully operational in 2022, it will provide 800 megawatts of clean, offshore wind energy for the New England power grid at a competitive cost. The New England Clean Energy Connect proposal to transport 1,200 megawatts of hydropower from Canada to the New England power grid would complement Vineyard Wind delivering a diverse supply of reliable, renewable power for the region.”

Torgerson said the two projects remain on-track, and expressed confidence they will secure necessary approvals in 2019 and reach required commercial operations consistent with Massachusetts contracts. Vineyard Wind is expected to create approximately 3,600 full-time jobs over the life of the project, while New England Clean Energy Connect is projected to support an average of 1,700 jobs annually through 2022.

Viewed together, Torgerson said, these multi-billion-dollar investments show how AVANGRID is helping to meet growing demand for renewable energy while spurring development of the nation’s emerging offshore wind industry. Avangrid Renewables recently secured a lease with the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management allowing the company to develop an offshore wind facility on 122,000 acres off the coast of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Multiple U.S. states have announced RFPs seeking to bring more renewable energy to their power grids.

“We’re seeing thoughtful and pragmatic approaches by at least a half dozen states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic who are trying to build the market, attract the supply chain, work with stakeholders, and train workers — all of which sets the cornerstone for future growth,” Torgerson added.

Torgerson said both AVANGRID and CIP are well-positioned to help kick-start the development of offshore wind in the United States. As part of the global Iberdrola Group, AVANGRID has access to Iberdrola’s expertise and experience in building offshore wind facilities, such as the 350-megawatt Wikinger Offshore Wind Farm in Germany, which began operations last month.

“There are unquestionably tremendous long-term economic opportunities available in the United States for the first movers as the wind industry heads offshore, and the competition to go first or be first will deliver jobs and supply chain benefits for decades, as well as increasingly competitive energy prices for customers,” Torgerson said. “The biggest challenge will be to create the supply chain — AVANGRID and CIP can leverage our European experience and match it with local companies so that the industry can capitalize on existing infrastructure and overseas expertise.”

#  #  #

CMP Amends Transmission Line Plan to Address Key Permitting Requirement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The company proposes to cross under a scenic river segment in western Maine rather than pursue an overhead crossing

Augusta, Maine – October 18, 2018 – Central Maine Power, a subsidiary of AVANGRID (NYSE: AGR), has notified regulators of its intent to amend a key element of its proposed New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line to avoid an aerial crossing over the Kennebec River to address the concerns of state environmental regulators, the host communities, and other stakeholders. The company will submit a plan to cross under the river using Horizontal Directional Drilling technology to preserve the scenic and recreational value of the segment of the river known as the Kennebec Gorge.


“Maine and the region will benefit immensely from the New England Clean Energy Connect, so we are changing our proposal to address a key concern of state environmental regulators,” said Doug Herling, president and CEO of Central Maine Power. “This has always been under consideration. We believe this change may also encourage stronger support from those who appreciate the project’s benefits, but want to preserve the commercial and aesthetic value of the river as well.”


The New England Clean Energy Connect was selected in response to a Massachusetts initiative to increase the supply of clean energy as required under the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is reviewing 20-year contracts among the state’s largest electric utilities, Central Maine Power, and Hydro-Québec for the delivery of 9.45 terawatt hours of electricity annually from Canadian hydropower facilities.


In Maine, the project will produce nearly $1 billion in economic benefits through construction employment, electricity cost savings, local property taxes, and enhanced economic growth between 2017 and 2027. The 20-year Massachusetts contracts will produce additional economic and environmental benefits in Maine through 2043, and separate agreements between CMP and Hydro-Québec could extend the delivery of clean energy benefits to Maine and the region to 2063 or beyond.

Another Major Milestone Toward Historic Agreement to Bring Clean Energy to Massachusetts

Montreal, Québec and Augusta, Maine – June 14, 2018 – Hydro-Québec and Central Maine Power Company (“CMP”) a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE:AGR), jointly announced the successful conclusion of contract negotiations with the Massachusetts electric distribution companies (EDCs) for the New England Clean Energy Connect (“NECEC”) 100 percent hydropower project. The Massachusetts EDCs will next file the agreements with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, pursuant to the Massachusetts 83D Clean Energy Request for Proposals.

“We have made important progress with regard to this ground-breaking 20-year agreement, moving us closer towards decarbonization in the Northeast,” said Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydro-Québec. “In the coming months we’ll be working closely with Central Maine Power to complete this important new interconnection project which will not only reduce carbon emissions, but will also bring price stability and supply reliability to the region.”

“The conclusion of these negotiations marks a significant step forward for the NECEC and the people of Maine, who will realize lasting economic benefits from this initiative, including new job creation and targeted investments such as expanded broadband access in Western Maine,” said Douglas Herling, President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Maine Power. “We appreciate the Commonwealth’s bold commitment to bringing additional, clean energy resources into our region, which further enhances the decades-long collaboration among our states and the Province of Québec. We will continue to advance the project in Maine, where it has received strong support from host communities, the Governor, the leadership of the State Senate and House of Representatives as well as the business community.”

The contracts with the Massachusetts EDCs provide for the delivery of approximately 9.45 terawatt hours annually of clean, reliable, baseload power for twenty years. The energy will be supplied by Hydro-Québec’s vast hydropower generating fleet, which means greater reliability and less reliance on fossil fuels during extreme winter weather conditions.

Hydro-Québec and AVANGRID are grateful that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its electric distribution companies are taking this important leap towards a cleaner energy future. We look forward to the next steps in the review and approval process. 

* * * 

Forward Looking Statements: This news release contains a number of forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “can,” “expects,” “future,” “would,” “could,” “can,” “expect(s,)” “believe(s),” “anticipate(s),” “intend(s),” “plan(s),” “estimate(s),” “project(s),”“assume(s),” “guide(s),” “target(s),” “forecast(s),” “are (is) confident that” and “seek(s)”“can,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “projects,” “assumes,” “guides,” “targets,” “forecasts,” “is confident that” and “seeks” or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology.  Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives and intentions, outlooks or expectations for earnings, revenues, expenses or other future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations, or the impact of legal or regulatory matters on business, results of operations or financial condition of the business and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the reasonable current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of our management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation: our future financial performance, anticipated liquidity and capital expenditures; actions or inactions of local, state or federal regulatory agencies; success in retaining or recruiting, our officers, key employees or directors; changes in levels or timing of capital expenditures; adverse developments in general market, business, economic, labor, regulatory and political conditions; fluctuations in weather patterns; technological developments; the impact of any cyber-breaches, grid disturbances, acts of war or terrorism or natural disasters; the impact of any change to applicable laws and regulations affecting operations, including those relating to environmental and climate change, taxes, price controls, regulatory approvals and permitting; and other presently unknown or unforeseen factors. Additional risks and uncertainties are set forth under the “Risk Factors” in the AVANGRID, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and the AVANGRID, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2018, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

 

About Hydro-Québec: Hydro-Québec generates, transmits and distributes electricity. It is Canada’s largest electricity producer and is among the world’s largest hydropower producers. Its sole shareholder is the Québec government. It uses almost exclusively renewable generating options, in particular hydropower, and supports the development of other sources of energy, such as wind and biomass, through purchases from independent power producers. Its research institute, IREQ, conducts R&D in energy efficiency, energy storage and other energy-related fields. Hydro-Québec invests $130 million in research every year.

www.hydroquebec.com

About Central Maine Power: Central Maine Power Company (CMP), a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE:AGR), is Maine’s largest electricity transmission and distribution utility. Established in 1899, CMP operates approximately 23,500 miles of distribution lines and 2,900 miles of transmission lines. It serves approximately 624,000 customers across 346 communities in central and southern Maine. For more information, visit www.cmpco.com.

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with $31 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving 3.2 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates 7.1 gigawatts of electricity capacity, primarily through wind power, with a presence in 22 states across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,500 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals, received a Climate Development Project climate score of “A-,” the top score received in the utilities sector, and has been recognized for two consecutive years by Ethical Boardroom as the North American utility with the “best corporate governance practices.” For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.

 

Media Contacts:

Hydro-Québec media relations 514 289-5005

New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) inquiries 207 458-9889

Central Maine Power and Western Mountains & Rivers Corporation Joint Statement

AUGUSTA, ME - The Somerset County-based nonprofit Western Mountains and Rivers Corporation (WM&RC) and Central Maine Power Company (CMP) today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for investment in western Maine conservation and nature-based tourism infrastructure in response to CMP’s proposed New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission project.

The MOU was proposed by conservation, recreation and economic development interests in response to CMP’s request for input on plans for a portion of the transmission line to cross the Kennebec River.

“CMP proactively sought mitigation ideas that would help western Maine achieve its potential as a hub for outdoor recreation. Early in the discussions, both WM&RC and CMP realized that an agreement would bring benefits to the region,” said Larry Warren, one of WM&RC directors.  Following months of talks, the parties identified a suitable design for the line to cross the river with limited scenic impacts.

While the specifics of the agreement have not yet been made public, CMP would underwrite a substantial local fund administered by WM&RC to enhance conservation, outdoor recreation and economic development. 

Among the measures included, CMP would transfer certain scenic lands along the Dead River to WM&RC, would assist in the potential development of a visitor center and would fund education programs and trail development and maintenance. CMP also agreed to install fiber optic cable that will enhance broadband and Wi-Fi access for residents and businesses of Somerset and Franklin counties along Route 201 and Route 27.

“WM&RC took a hard look at all the options for having the transmission line cross the Kennebec,” said Joe Christopher, Three Rivers Whitewater Owner and WM&RC Director. “We are working with local stakeholders to determine the best possible way to cross the Kennebec River in a way that provides the most positive outcome possible.  We have worked hard to develop a meaningful mitigation package that will have substantial and long lasting positive impacts on the Northwestern part of Maine including retention and creation of jobs, preservation of lands for conservation and recreation, creation and expansion of vital regional trail networks and other mitigation actions to fairly balance the impacts of this project. 

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Land Use Planning Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies will be the ultimate decision-makers on whether the project is permitted and how it crosses the Kennebec River. CMP filed its application for state permits in September 2017, with public hearings for those permits expected this fall.

 

About Central Maine Power Central Maine Power Company (CMP), a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc., is Maine’s largest electricity transmission and distribution utility. Established in 1899, CMP operates approximately 23,500 miles of distribution lines and 2,900 miles of transmission lines. It serves approximately 624,000 customers across 346 communities in central and southern Maine. For more information, visit www.cmpco.com.

 

About Western Mountains & Rivers Corporation a Maine nonprofit public benefit corporation formed for the purpose of expanding conservation of the Kennebec, Dead, Sandy, Moose, Sebasticook and Carrabassett rivers; developing recreation projects and education programs about the history, ecology and uses of Maine’s lands and rivers; and expanding economic development opportunities along the rivers of Western Maine.

 

IBEW Supports the New England Clean Energy Connect

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers announce their support for the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) power line from Québec to Maine. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts selected Central Maine Power Company’s proposed NECEC to provide clean, dependable hydroelectric power to Massachusetts consumers in support of the state’s environmental goals under its Global Warming Solutions Act. The IBEW welcomes the opportunities the project will create for its members during construction and for the lasting contribution to economic growth and higher employment throughout the region. 

“Our organization believes everyone benefits from investments in our energy infrastructure,” said Michael Monahan, Vice President of IBEW Second District. “The NECEC will offer good opportunities for our members with nearly 1,600 construction jobs during the peak years of work. With the additional management and professional jobs, plus indirect and induced employment, the project will support more than 3,000 jobs. Those will be especially welcome in the rural towns of western Maine.” 

The New England Clean Energy Connect transmission project was selected from among 46 projects offered to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in response to a 2017 Request for Proposals to provide up to 9.45 terawatt hours of clean energy annually for up to 20 years for Massachusetts utility customers. The NECEC includes the construction of a 150-mile, 230 KV Direct Current transmission line from the western Maine border with Québec to Central Maine Power’s Larrabee Road substation in Lewiston, Maine, and the construction of approximately 50 miles of 115,000 KV and 345,000 KV AC transmission lines in Maine. The project also includes the construction of what will be Maine’s first stations to convert direct current energy to alternating current to tie into the New England grid. 

CMP has filed for all state and federal permits for the $950 million project. The company expects to receive all the necessary permits to allow for a start of construction by third quarter 2019. The project is scheduled for completion by December 2022. The project has strong support from the host communities in Maine due in part to the benefits for Maine workers, communities, and utility consumers. CMP also recently completed the Maine Power Reliability Program (MPRP), a $1.4 billion upgrade to the company’s bulk power grid in Maine. The MPRP produced broad benefits for workers and communities in Maine, which contributes to the support for the New England Clean Energy Connect project within the state.

AVANGRID Subsidiary Central Maine Power Chosen in Bid to Deliver Clean Energy to New England Grid

Massachusetts agrees to the company’s New England Clean Energy Connect from among 46 proposals as the sole solution in Commonwealth’s clean energy initiative

AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a diversified energy company, and its subsidiary Central Maine Power Company (CMP) today confirmed that the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission project will advance as the sole clean energy solution in the Massachusetts Green Communities Act Section 83D RFP for long-term contracts for clean energy projects after the Massachusetts electric distribution companies terminated the conditional selection of the Northern Pass Transmission proposal.

“We are grateful to Governor Baker, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton, DOER Commissioner Judith Judson, and the Massachusetts legislature for their resourcefulness and vision in passing a clean energy law that will allow every resident in the Commonwealth to benefit from clean renewable energy resources,” said James P. Torgerson, chief executive officer of AVANGRID. “The NECEC will supply renewable energy to Massachusetts for twenty years, and it will continue to deliver benefits for New England consumers for decades beyond. It is another example of how the AVANGRID companies are providing effective solutions to the region’s complex energy challenges. We are committed to investing in clean energy infrastructure, and delivering on the promise of the NECEC proposal.”

CMP proposed the $950 million NECEC in a joint bid with Hydro-Québec for a twenty-year contract to deliver renewable energy from Québec to the New England grid in response to the 83D Clean Energy RFP. Massachusetts invited CMP to begin negotiations with the electric utilities in February as an alternate selection to ensure the state could meet the schedule in the 83D process. The distribution companies require that all necessary agreements be finalized and executed as soon as possible, and will continue contract negotiations with the NECEC project to achieve this conclusion. If acceptable contract terms for the NECEC proposal are agreed upon, those agreements are anticipated to be filed with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities by the April 25, 2018 date stipulated in the 83D RFP.

“Our applications for state and federal permits continue to move forward with the strong support of communities and stakeholders in Maine,” said Doug Herling, president and chief executive officer of Central Maine Power. “We believe the NECEC is a cost-effective response to Massachusetts’ needs. CMP has successfully built other large scale projects here in our home state, so we’re confident we can meet our commitments to the Commonwealth.”

The New England Clean Energy Connect includes a 1200 megawatt high-voltage direct current transmission line linking the electrical grids in Québec and New England. Host communities in western Maine will see direct economic gains from the investment and share in the regional benefits of lower energy costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Maine county and municipal officials, business leaders, and policymakers have given strong support for the project. CMP submitted applications for all state and federal permits in mid-2017. The company expects to receive state approvals later this year and final federal permits in early 2019. More information about the NECEC is available on the New England Clean Energy Connect website.

“The NECEC will deliver a reliable, firm supply of clean energy to dampen seasonal price instability when high demand puts pressure on natural gas supplies,” said Bob Kump, president and chief executive officer of Avangrid Networks, Inc., AVANGRID’s utility holding company and parent corporation of CMP. “We appreciate the opportunity to advance cost-effective solutions for the benefit of the Commonwealth’s energy consumers and the region.”

#  #  #

Central Maine Power Transmission Proposal Selected as Solution for Massachusetts Clean Energy Initiative

The New England Clean Energy Connect will advance as the alternative if the Northern Pass Transmission project fails to secure its New Hampshire permit by March 27

AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a diversified energy company, and its subsidiary Central Maine Power Company (CMP) today confirmed that the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission project has been selected by the Massachusetts electric utilities and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources in the Commonwealth’s 83D clean energy Request for Proposal (RFP) to move forward as the alternative if the Northern Pass Transmission project fails to win approval from the New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee by March 27, 2018.

CMP proposed the $950 million NECEC in a joint bid with Hydro-Québec to deliver renewable energy from Québec to the New England grid in response to the RFP.  CMP intends to continue all aspects of permitting and planning for the NECEC to meet our proposed in-service date. CMP will also immediately begin negotiation of long-term contracts with the state’s electric distribution companies to prepare for a submission to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities in April 2018.

“Our applications for state and federal permits are moving forward with the strong support of communities and stakeholders in Maine,” said Doug Herling, president and chief executive officer of Central Maine Power. “We believe the NECEC is a cost-effective response to Massachusetts’ needs, and given our experience building projects of greater scale and complexity here in our home state, we’re confident we can meet our commitments to the Commonwealth.”

CMP’s proposed NECEC includes a 145-mile transmission line linking the electrical grids in Québec and New England. The project will add 1,200 megawatts of transmission capacity to supply New England with power from reliable hydroelectric generation. Host communities in western Maine will see direct economic gains from the investment and share in the regional benefits of lower energy costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Maine county and municipal officials, business leaders, and policymakers have given strong support for the project. CMP submitted applications for all state and federal permits in mid-2017. The company expects to receive state approvals later this year and final federal permits in early 2019. More information about the NECEC is provided in the attached materials.

“CMP proposed a cost effective transmission solution, and paired it with a strong proposal for clean energy from Hydro-Québec," said Jim Torgerson, chief executive officer of AVANGRID. “This project is another example of how the AVANGRID companies are providing effective solutions to timely and complex regional energy challenges. AVANGRID is committed to investing in the region’s clean energy infrastructure, and delivering on the promise of the NECEC proposal.”

 “A new transmission link between Maine and Québec would deliver a reliable, firm supply of clean energy to help dampen seasonal price instability when high demand puts pressure on natural gas supplies,” said Bob Kump, president and chief executive officer of Avangrid Networks, Inc., AVANGRID’s utility holding company and parent corporation of CMP. “We appreciate the opportunity to advance reliable, cost-effective solutions for the benefit of the Commonwealth’s energy consumers and the region. We also thank Governor Baker, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton, DOER Commissioner Judith Judson, and the Massachusetts legislature for their resourcefulness and vision in passing a clean energy law that will allow every resident in the Commonwealth to benefit from clean renewable energy resources.”

 

Doug Herling Named President and CEO of Central Maine Power

Central Maine Power Co. (CMP), an indirect subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a diversified energy and utility company, has announced that Douglas Herling, formerly vice president of Electric Operations, has been selected to replace Sara Burns as President and Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Burns retired from the company at the end of 2017.

Herling joined CMP in 1985, and has held various executive management positions at Avangrid Networks and CMP, including vice president, Special Projects, where he oversaw construction of the Maine Power Reliability Program, a $1.4 billion transmission and substation upgrade program in Maine. Prior to that, he served as vice president, Engineering & Asset Management (2009 - 2010); and vice president, Field Operations (2001 - 2009).

Herling is a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering. 

“Doug has a tremendous wealth of experience in all aspects of utility operations, including engineering, customer service, construction, and safety,” said Robert Kump, CEO of Avangrid Networks. “I am confident he will provide strong leadership in his new role as Central Maine Power’s president and CEO.”

“As a lifelong Mainer, I am both thrilled and honored to assume leadership of this great company. We have some of the best, hardest working, and highly respected employees in the industry, and I couldn’t be more proud to lead this team,” said Herling. “I look forward to continuing our mission to deliver safe, reliable energy to customers and to build upon the many successes CMP has already achieved in more than a century of service to Maine consumers.”

Clean energy collaboration to include Avangrid, UMass Lowell

Read the full article here.

A new research partnership between Avangrid (NYSE:AGR), its subsidiary Central Maine Power and UMass Lowell will expand the use of clean-energy technology, benefitting consumers, students and the environment.

The collaboration, announced today, will bring together researchers from the company and the university to advance the development and implementation of clean energy technologies over the next decade. This includes hydropower, wind energy, power grids, energy storage and data sciences, as well as other technology innovations.

UMass Lowell students – from those seeking bachelor’s degrees all the way to doctoral candidates – will also benefit from the partnership, which calls for them to participate in on-campus research and for CMP to explore opportunities for co-ops, internships and fellowships. The partners will also present joint conferences and workshops for researchers from across the clean-energy field.

“Through this new partnership, UMass Lowell’s world-class faculty will be able to lend their expertise to an important effort to expand clean energy in the Commonwealth and beyond. This project will also create new opportunities for UMass Lowell students at all levels to gain valuable experience to complement what they learn in the classroom,” said Julie Chen, UMass Lowell vice chancellor for research and innovation.

“Our companies are deeply invested in finding and delivering solutions to environmental challenges linked to the way we generate and distribute energy,” said Bob Kump, president and CEO of Avangrid Networks, CMP’s parent company. “Our collaboration with UMass Lowell is one more way we can accelerate innovation and the development of technology to expand the range of solutions to today’s environmental challenges.”

CMP has proposed to construct and operate the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC), a transmission project in Maine that is poised to deliver abundant supplies of clean, large-scale hydropower energy from eastern Canada into the New England region while saving Massachusetts consumers more than $2 billion in costs over the 20-year contract for energy.

CMP and the university will explore a number of funding and collaboration opportunities. These include, should the NECEC project move forward, annual grants to the university of at least $200,000 per year to support the initiatives pursued by the research partnership and an additional $300,000 to match research funding from the state or federal government, industry, nonprofits or private donors.

CMP serves more than 600,000 customers in central and southern Maine. The research partnership with UMass Lowell is the first for the company in Massachusetts and could be expanded to other campuses in the UMass system.

“We look forward to expanding our relationships with new partners in New England,” said Doug Herling, president and CEO of Central Maine Power, a subsidiary of Avangrid. “Our companies in Maine and across the U.S. depend on colleges and universities to help shape the workforce and the technology we need for our industry.”

“We are excited to collaborate with CMP to develop new and emerging technologies that will help drive down the cost of energy while making it cleaner and more accessible than ever before,” said Prof. Christopher Niezrecki, chairman of UMass Lowell’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and director of the National Science Foundation Industry-University Cooperative Research Center on Wind Energy.

 

Maine Voices: Maine will win when New England Clean Energy Connect comes online

The CMP project is a well-designed and cost-effective path to New England's clean-energy future.

Read the full article here.

Maine has a longstanding and deserved reputation for both industrial innovation and for natural beauty. We have long been known for integrity, creative minds and hard work, high-quality goods, great customer service and outstanding natural resource management. Today, we are on the threshold of yet another, exceptional contribution to Maine’s and the region’s well-being. It is known as Central Maine Power’s New England Clean Energy Connect, a well-designed and cost-effective path to New England’s clean-energy future.

Over the course of some years, CMP has assembled a strategic transmission corridor from the Canadian border down to Lewiston, the major energy hub for our state and our gateway to the New England electric grid. CMP’s proposed corridor would be a resource from which all of Maine may benefit, as it provides a steady supply of clean, reliable hydropower from Quebec to all New England. This power will displace older and soon-to-retire fossil fuel generation, making the air cleaner for everyone and helping to stabilize our energy prices.

As former Maine commissioners of conservation, concerned with both Maine’s economy and environment, we are struck by three things about this project:

• It is a cost-effective transmission solution.

• It is thoughtfully sited and environmentally responsible, as it runs through commercial forest before hooking into an existing transmission corridor.

• It offers needed benefits to Maine and the rest of New England.

New England Clean Energy Connect will tap into existing infrastructure and leverage recent investments in Lewiston for which ratepayers from all across New England have paid. It diversifies the use of Maine’s working forest west of The Forks before it connects to the existing transmission corridor from The Forks to Lewiston, where it in turns connects to the New England power grid. Unlike similar and much more costly proposals in New Hampshire and Vermont, New England Clean Energy Connect avoids environmentally sensitive areas such as a national forest or one of the region’s largest water bodies. And it is projected to cost much less to build than other transmission proposals.

The cost advantage of New England Clean Energy Connect is important. If cleaner, greener energy options are to succeed in today’s world, they must be cost-competitive and affordable to utility customers. With such careful siting and the use of infrastructure already in place, this project will allow the region’s clean-energy priority to be realized both affordably and efficiently.

Beyond its regional promise, the benefits specific to Maine from New England Clean Energy Connect will be substantial. As the result of careful negotiation with local industry leaders, the project will boost the economy of western Maine and help the state’s nature-based tourism industry. It will support thousands of jobs over a five-year permitting and construction period and contribute millions of dollars in new, annual tax revenue to many of the rural towns in Somerset, Franklin and Androscoggin counties.

It will result in more than $40 million in savings each year in electric rates for Maine households and businesses. And there are the very real environmental benefits associated with a major project like this one. Not only will the New England region breathe cleaner air, but the CMP project will have less environmental impact than other proposed projects.

Energy is the backbone of the modern economy, and electric power is essential to our daily lives. When without it, as many of us have been of late, we are quickly reminded of its critical importance. The addition of new, clean generation capacity – whether it’s hydropower, wind and solar, or battery storage – is an essential step in securing a brighter future for our children and grandchildren, for all our cities and towns.

Maine has valuable energy resources to contribute to a cleaner energy future, including the New England Clean Energy Connect proposal to link the vast hydro resources of nearby Canada with the New England energy market. Maine, Massachusetts, and all of New England will win when New England Clean Energy Connect comes online and delivers needed, clean energy to our region.

Let’s add to Maine’s reputation for industrial invention and wise natural resource management.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Richard Anderson and Richard Barringer are both former Maine conservation commissioners and residents of Portland.

Central Maine Power and the New England Clean Energy Connect Reach Milestone in Support from Maine host communities

County and municipal officials in communities hosting 95% of the corridor and related facilities have provided letters of support

Central Maine Power (CMP), a subsidiary of diversified energy and utility company AVANGRID (NYSE: AGR), recently received a resounding vote of support for the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) from the Somerset County Board of Commissioners, key stakeholders who represent 16 towns, townships, and plantations in western Maine that would host 90 miles of transmission line for the project.

“To date, Central Maine Power has received letters of support from the overwhelming majority of communities that will host the New England Clean Energy Connect,” said Bob Kump, CEO of Avangrid Networks. “We selected a route that would be compatible with surrounding land uses from the outset to minimize impacts on communities and sensitive environmental resources. Massachusetts utility customers can be confident Maine communities support the NECEC for the economic and environmental benefits it will provide to all New England utility customers. With their support, we can keep the NECEC more affordable, and it will help the project move expeditiously through permitting and construction.”

Central Maine Power has now received endorsements from the Androscoggin, Franklin, and Somerset county commissions plus municipal boards representing towns that would host 95% of the corridor and facilities for the NECEC.

In their letter of support, the Somerset County commissioners noted that “…the NECEC will provide a boost to the region’s tax base while reducing energy prices. This makes it an extremely important project for both residents and businesses alike in the region. It is for these factors that we are pleased to lend our support and make this endorsement of the New England Clean Energy Connect. No other project comes close to minimizing the environmental impact on our land while maximizing economic benefits for the region.”

CMP proposed the New England Clean Energy Connect in response to a Massachusetts Clean Energy RFP. Since unveiling the plan last summer, the company’s proposal has also received wide support from business leaders and economic development agencies representing western Maine communities.

“CMP has been a great partner in the collaborative development of NECEC,” said Heather Johnson, director of Somerset Economic Development Corporation.

The company continues its outreach to communities and stakeholders about the benefits of the project. A complete list of communities and organizations supporting the project is available on the project website at www.necleanenergyconnect.org. The NECEC is on track to complete most state and federal permitting reviews this year.

The 1,200 MW NECEC would provide the largest transmission capacity among three competing proposals to tap the Canadian hydropower resources of Hydro Québec and offer a substantial savings over the competitors’ reported costs of $1.6 billion compared to $950 million for the NECEC.

“With Central Maine Power as their clean energy transmission partner, Massachusetts utilities would get the maximum environmental and energy benefits for their customers at the lowest cost,” said Kump. “We can provide a clean energy solution that is good for consumers and the economy, too.

NECEC proposal will deliver a larger volume of clean renewable energy at lower costs in part by leveraging the Maine Power Reliability Program (MPRP), a $1.4 billion power grid infrastructure investment completed in 2015. CMP is the only proponent in the Massachusetts RFP process that has recently completed a transmission project of the scale and complexity of the MPRP on-time and on-budget.

The Massachusetts’ Clean Energy RFP is part of a broader effort to reduce the state’s energy costs, ensure a reliable electricity grid, and meet long-term greenhouse gas reduction (GHG) requirements. Under the terms of the RFP, projects will only be considered if they include “significant cost containment features” to protect Massachusetts ratepayers and if they “ensure that transmission cost overruns, if any, are not borne by ratepayers.” To address this, NECEC will provide transmission services at a long-term fixed price providing much needed market certainty.

CMP touts $950M bid as best deal among clean energy bidders

Click here to read the full article.

Central Maine Power revealed Wednesday its previously undisclosed bid price for delivering 1,200 megawatts of clean energy to Massachusetts, stating the $950 million New England Clean Energy Connect project would save Bay State ratepayers more than $600 million in construction and related costs compared to the reported costs of competing projects.

"The NECEC is the only proposal capable of firm delivery of 1,200 megawatts of renewable energy that provides maximum environmental and energy benefits at less cost than any competing proposal," CMP stated in its news release. "The transmission project has received wide support from host communities and business leaders in Maine, and is on track to receive necessary state and federal permitting reviews in 2018."

Bob Kump, CEO of Avangrid Networks (NYSE: AGR), said NECEC would deliver "up to 20% more clean energy for the region's utility customers with lower construction costs than any of the competing proposals that are interconnecting with Hydro-Quebec."

In a Q&A with Mainebiz earlier this fall, CMP President and CEO Sara Burns said the company's proposal to tap more than 1,000MW of hydropower from Hydro-Quebec was one of three bids submitted to the Massachusetts Clean Energy RFP involving Hydro-Quebec.

Central Maine Power Clean Energy RFP transmission proposal will save Bay State ratepayers more than $600 million in construction costs over competing proposals

 The 1,200 megawatt New England Clean Energy Connect would deliver more renewable energy and more clean air benefits for Massachusetts than any other project in the Clean Energy RFP

AUGUSTA, Maine, December 6, 2017 – Central Maine Power (CMP), a subsidiary of diversified energy and utility company AVANGRID (NYSE: AGR), today announced that the $950 million New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC), would save Massachusetts utility customers more than $600 million dollars in construction and related costs over the reported costs of competing projects, which are as much as 60 percent higher. 

The NECEC is the only proposal capable of firm delivery of 1,200 megawatts of renewable energy that provides maximum environmental and energy benefits at less cost than any competing proposal. The transmission project has received wide support from host communities and business leaders in Maine, and is on track to receive necessary state and federal permitting reviews in 2018. 

“The New England Clean Energy Connect will deliver up to 20% more clean energy for the region’s utility customers with lower construction costs than any of the competing proposals that are interconnecting with Hydro-Québec,” said Bob Kump, CEO of Avangrid Networks. 

NECEC (1200 MW) is 20% larger than TDI New England’s New England Clean Power Link through Vermont (1,000MWs) and 10% larger than Eversource’s proposed Northern Pass project in New Hampshire (1090MW). 

“Given our unique advantages to control costs and to leverage recent investments in the New England grid, we can deliver the largest infusion of Canadian energy into the region’s energy supply for everyone to share in the environmental and economic benefits,” said Sara Burns, President and CEO of Central Maine Power. 

The NECEC proposal will deliver a larger volume of clean renewable energy at lower costs in part by leveraging the recently completed Maine Power Reliability Program (MPRP), a $1.4 billion power grid infrastructure investment paid for by ratepayers from across New England. 

CMP is the only proponent in the Massachusetts RFP process that has recently completed a transmission project of the scale and complexity of the Maine Power Reliability Program on-time and on-budget. 

The Massachusetts’ Clean Energy RFP is part of a broader effort to reduce the state’s energy costs, ensure a reliable electricity grid, and meet long-term greenhouse gas reduction (GHG) requirements. Under the terms of the RFP, projects will only be considered if they include “significant cost containment features” to protect Massachusetts ratepayers and if they “ensure that transmission cost overruns, if any, are not borne by ratepayers.” To address this, NECEC will provide transmission services at a long-term fixed price providing much needed market certainty. 

Acting as “battery storage” for New England, NECEC will deliver firm power from Hydro-Québec, even during peak winter months when energy supply prices are most volatile and intermittent resources are not as reliable. 

NECEC also released a project video detailing all of the benefits the project provides for Massachusetts and Maine electricity customers. Go to: www.necleanenergyconnect.com for more information. 

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a diversified energy and utility company with more than $31 billion in assets and operations in 27 states. The company owns regulated utilities and electricity generation assets through two primary lines of business, Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks is comprised of eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving approximately 3.2 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables operates more than 6 gigawatts of owned and controlled renewable generation capacity, primarily through wind and solar, in 22 states across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,800 people. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com. 

About CMP: Central Maine Power Company (CMP) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR). As Maine’s largest electricity transmission and distribution utility, CMP serves 619,000 homes and businesses, representing about 80% of Maine’s customer base. J.D. Power and Associates has ranked the company #1 in customer satisfaction seven times. For more information, visit www.cmpco.com.

CMP ready to flow: New England Clean Energy Connect bid includes 1,200 MW of power from Hydro-Quebec

AR-310259993.jpg&MaxW=624&MaxH=400.jpeg

For the second time in as many years, southern New England's ambitious renewable energy goals are driving a slew of proposals from wind, solar and hydropower projects — many of them with ties to Maine.

This time it's Massachusetts that put out an RFP on March 31 seeking bids for approximately 1,200 megawatts of clean energy. Almost 50 bids were submitted, with at least 14 involving projects located in or passing through Maine.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy RFP, issued by Massachusetts utilities and the Department of Energy Resources, calls for 20-year power purchase agreements for delivered renewable energy to meet the state's ambitious clean energy goals. Projects are expected to be selected in January 2018.

Central Maine Power, whose bids in the earlier New England Clean Power RFP were passed over, is taking a different tack this time: Instead of linking its proposal primarily to wind power, CMP submitted several proposals — in effect, offering a "cafeteria plan" of options that could include wind, solar and, significantly, hydroelectric power from Hydro-Quebec.

Mainebiz sat down with CMP President and CEO Sara Burns to discuss CMP's New England Clean Energy Connect proposals. The following is an edited transcript.

Mainebiz: Tell us about the proposals you've submitted in response to an RFP from Massachusetts. What's behind the state's RFP for clean energy? How might that impact Maine?

Sara Burns: ISO-New England's dependence on natural gas is of concern to all ratepayers in New England. One of the issues that people don't pay attention to is that we're one common market. We're not a 'Maine' market and a 'Rhode Island' market, etc. We're one common market. So natural gas is the fuel that's being used predominantly to produce electricity in this market as we speak: It's right now at 55% for natural gas and 29% nuclear.

MB: And we know Vermont Yankee has shut down, leaving only Seabrook, Millstone and Pilgrim nuclear power plants for New England's market.

SB: You're going right to my point. All of those nuclear power units have a life cycle. Seabrook has a long life cycle, but Pilgrim already announced it will shut down by mid-2019. So I think for all of us, as we look at the challenge of our current fuel mix, with natural gas being more than half, the question becomes: Does this make you feel comfortable over the long term?

MB: In effect, if the fuel mix continues the trend of relying even more heavily on natural gas, we'd be putting all our eggs in one basket?

SB: Exactly right. And if the price of natural gas goes up there's going to be a great sucking sound out of New England's pocketbooks. It will raise the cost of electricity. So I think what Massachusetts and the governor of Massachusetts are doing is taking a responsible, longer-term look at this challenge.

MB: In other words, diversify the mix?

SB: Yes. And they have a particular interest in clean energy.

If you do a little research you can go back and look at what the grid's fuel mix was in 2000, compared to, say, 2016. In 2000, natural gas was 15%. And in 2016 it was 49%. In 2000, nuclear was 31%, and in 2016 it was 31%. In 2000, hydro was 7% and in 2016 it was 7%. Coal in 2000 was 18% and in 2016 it was 2% and oil was 2% and it's now 1%.

What becomes evident is that the coal and oil percentages have moved over to natural gas. But the one that is most interesting to me is that in 2000 renewables were 8% and today they're 10%.

So even though we've talked about it enormously over the past decade we've moved renewable energy only 2 percentage points since 2000.

MB: CMP's role, as a transmission provider, is to get that clean power to the market? 

SB: Exactly right. There were a lot of ideas renewable companies presented to us, some of them far more thought out than others. We ended up choosing two partners and we've put in two bids: One with Hydro-Quebec and one with NextEra, which is the parent company of Florida Power and Light.

 

Part of our strategy was based on the observation that if you look at a map of the transmission system in Maine, you'll notice that there are two major lines into New Brunswick, and we've had them there for a long time, but none into Quebec.

About three years ago we started strategically to buy a right-of-way up to the Quebec border. We did it quietly, we did it with our engineers looking at what would be the most efficient way to get there, we had our environmental team looking at what route would have the least impact. And we had our financial team looking at price. We acquired about a 54-mile right-of-way from what we already owned and we did it with four landowners.

We did it thinking that if you look long-term we would need a line into Quebec one day. So we are positioned now to do that.

MB: Hydro-Quebec is also part of other proposals to Massachusetts' RFP, isn't it? 

SB: Hydro-Quebec is bidding with three partners in this RFP: They're bidding through Maine with us, through New Hampshire with EverSource and through Vermont with TDI New England.

MB: Are they mutually exclusive bids? 

SB: Yes.

MB: So it will be one of you three, if Massachusetts sees Hydro-Quebec as the way to go. 

SB: Correct.

Our Hydro-Quebec bid consists of two parts: We did one pure hydro bid of about 1,090 megawatts of power and we did a second bid that was 700 megawatts of hydro and 300 megawatts of wind.

We did that because we want to offer Massachusetts choices. We did the same thing with NextEra.

MB: Tell us about the NextEra bid. 

SB: The NextEra bid actually has three parts: The first bid was for 450 megawatts of wind. The second bid adds to that 150 megawatts of solar and two battery storage projects: One will be at the solar farm and one will be at the wind farm, and each will be 25 megawatts. The third bid, and again this is a building block bid: The third bid is to take all of that and on top of that we've partnered with a Canadian wind developer that's literally parked right on the other side of the border, and that is another 450 megawatts of wind.

And again, we did this in the spirit of saying to Massachusetts: These are the two best partners that we could choose and we give you a group of ideas that you can choose from.

MB: NextEra's wind projects are roughly located in western Maine? 

SB: Yes.

MB: Can you share your thoughts on how CMP's bids might compare to the other proposals? 

SB: I can. In order to give you a perspective of what we're competing against:

  • There are three Hydro-Quebec bids and we're one of them.
  • There are six other large bids, one of which is ours with NextEra. Some combine wind with hydro, or wind with solar.
  • There are two very small hydro bids.
  • There are 19 solar bids.
  • There are six single, smaller wind bids.
  • And one offshore wind bid.

That's the competition.

The good news for ratepayers is: This is the future of trying to get them the best energy source at the lowest cost, and Massachusetts has received a robust response.

Here's how we see our proposal in relation to the competition:

  • It's the shortest transmission route under control. We're not out acquiring anything to make our proposal happen.
  • I think one of the biggest messages in our favor is that we're using what ratepayers have already paid for. Up to this new 54-mile acquisition, we're in an existing right-of-way and we're going to use it. We're going to deliver into Larrabee Road, which is part of the Maine Power Reliability Project that New England ratepayers have already paid for. So we're using what's already been built and paid for.
  • We're not underground, we're not sub-sea.
  • We are the only group that can say, 'We recently delivered a major transmission project on time and under budget.' So when you ask the question, 'Can you get it done?' We can answer, 'Just in 2015, we finished a $1.4 billion upgrade. There are not a lot of other big transmission projects that can make that claim they completed the job on schedule and under budget.' We have the team that can do it.

MB: Can you comment on your proposal's cost and power pricing? 

SB: No. When you submit bids to an RFP, no one is talking about their price. We're not speaking to our price and that's because here's one scenario we think could develop: The decision is supposed to be made in January. They could get down to two major projects and come back to us and say, 'You are the two we're looking at. Give us your best and final price.'

So I don't want to be out telling people what our bid is. But I believe, based on what I know about all these projects, that we are the lowest-priced project.

I would also say that our parent company, Iberdrola, had a huge impact. As we went out to price this, we used an Iberdrola sourcing team, an experienced team. The scale of Iberdrola's capital spend and their power in the market is reflected in our price.

MB: If your bid is accepted what are the next steps for CMP? 

SB: Massachusetts starts a negotiation process to lock it down. I think they put in June 2018 as the deadline for that stage of the process.

So, right after I clap and say, 'Hurrah' for our team,' then you've got to get on these schedules. You are committing to a time-frame. On the Hydro-Quebec project, we're committing to 2022. On the NextEra project, we've have put forward three different time-frames and they would be saying which one they would buy. But if you are the winner, you've got a schedule on which you must deliver what you've said you would.

MB: If you are successful, it's obviously a project that will benefit Maine's economy. Can you talk to what kind of work would be part of this? 

SB: We took the project and we gave it to Daymark Energy Advisors and they put it through their economic modeling. Right now they're saying it has about $40 million per year for Maine in annual electricity cost savings to ratepayers over the 20-year forecast period (2023-42).

The other benefit is that a firm load of hydropower reduces our dependence on natural gas. Our dependence on natural gas is a risk, and the risk is that the price will go up.

The third benefit for all of New England is that it lowers greenhouse gas emissions. I think New England number is 3 million metric tons annually. So that's a benefit for all of us.

Now, in Maine, we'll get the construction jobs — with total number of jobs averaging 1,700 per year during project development and construction and more than 3,000 jobs supported by the project during the peak years of construction.

I think the project has a great benefit for both Maine and New England.

There are two other interesting benefits to Maine in terms of reliability. If we win and we build this line, there are two major portions of this project: We have to put the line in and then there are all the upgrades we have to do with the new system to move the energy out of Maine. All of those upgrades make the Maine system more reliable. So Maine gets a stronger, more reliable grid.

The other point I'd like to make is this: If we want to deal with Hydro-Quebec, there's no better way than to do it through an RFP. They are bidding three different times [i.e. CMP's New England Clean Energy Connect, Northern Pass and New England Clean Power Link.] I'm sure they could figure out that this was going to be a robust response to Massachusetts' RFP. So if you want to be the winner you've got to come in with the best price.

Central Maine Power – HydroQuébec Transmission Line Reaches Milestone in Environmental Review

Central Maine Power Company (CMP), a subsidiary of AVANGRID INC. (NYSE:AGR), a diversified energy and utility company,  reports continued progress on the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) as it advances toward state and federal approvals. In September, the company completed filings for all state and federal permits. Last week, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) accepted CMP’s application for several state environmental permits as complete, starting a 185-day timetable for review unless extended by agreement. The Maine Public Utilities Commission also recently issued a formal Notice of Proceeding in response to CMP’s petition for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. By statute, the Commission must make its determination within nine months unless extended in accordance with Commission rules.

“We have the clear advantage of using our existing corridor network and overhead construction. The New England Clean Energy Connect is a straightforward, cost effective project in comparison to others in the bidding,” said Sara J. Burns, president and CEO of Central Maine Power. “We are confident in our schedule for local, state, and federal permitting to meet the 2022 in-service date, and we continue to find strong support for the project from key stakeholders and host communities.”

The NECEC is a high-voltage electricity transmission line to deliver renewable energy from Canada to New England in response to a request for proposals from Massachusetts electric utilities. The project would lower New England’s future electricity costs by $3.8 billion over the first 20 years in operation and reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the region by 3.1 million metric tons annually compared to current projections.

CMP’s proposal for the 145-mile transmission line offers many advantages in the bidding.  The NECEC is the shortest link to Quebec and, unlike some of its key competitiors, includes cost-effective, overhead lines built largely in CMP’s existing corridor to reduce project costs and impacts to sensitive resources. CMP also has a proven track record of effective project permitting and construction management in its home state. The company can tap the resources of its parent companies, AVANGRID and Iberdrola, one of the world’s largest, multi-national energy companies, for global sourcing of expertise and materials.

CMP continues its planning and public outreach to ensure the NECEC can be completed in accordance with the requirements of the RFP. The company hosted three public information meetings in September in preparation for filing with the MDEP. Additional outreach has included public briefings to municipal and county officials, economic development organizations, and business groups. The project has received support from Maine Governor Paul R. LePage, Maine communities, and the state’s leading business and economic development organizations. Municipal officials from many host communities have provided strong statements of support for the project.

“Wiscasset has a history of being an energy hub for Maine. We are proud and pleased to think that we will continue in this capacity, and be an important part of this clean energy proposal,” said Marian Anderson, town manager in Wiscasset, Maine. “We hope to help in offering a solution to New England’s need to tap into clean, renewable power.”

“Not only is Central Maine Power a strong leader in the State of Maine, it is part of a global leader with solid financial backing. When they decide to do something, our experience has been they do it well,” said Robert E. Macdonald, mayor of Lewiston, Maine. “CMP has embraced modernization and innovation, and is ready to respond to the call for a cleaner energy future. It is in this spirit that CMP proposed the New England Clean Energy Connect in response to the Clean Energy RFP. The City of Lewiston is in full support of this proposal.”

Last March, utilities in Massachusetts issued a Request for Proposals for clean energy projects to support the goals of the State’s Global Warming Solutions Act. The Canadian energy company Hydro-Québec and CMP submitted joint bids in July proposing a 20-year agreement for energy and transmission service to the Massachusetts utilities. Massachusetts expects to make its selection in January 2018.