Maine’s highest court has sided with Hydro-Québec and its commercial partner, Avangrid Inc., in a high-profile dispute over a new electricity transmission line that would carry Canadian hydropower to New England, giving new spark to the utility’s ambitions to supply the U.S. northeast.
The ruling provides some vindication for Hydro-Québec and Avangrid. The partners have said the project enjoys widespread support among political and business leaders and has obtained all its required permits. The project has been deeply divisive. Supporters and opponents have waged intense battles, and the energy companies involved have spent close to US$100-million collectively on attempts to capture public support, trade publication Utility Dive has reported.
Hydro-Québec chief executive Sophie Brochu is trying to boost Quebec electricity exports to nearby U.S. states by striking multiyear supply agreements, which she has said will have environmental benefits. In a separate deal, the utility was chosen last year for a multibillion-dollar contract to deliver renewable power into the heart of New York.