New England governors to explore expansion of Canadian hydro-power imports

On June 17, five New England states announced a collaborative effort to explore expanding the import of large amounts of Canadian hydro power into the region. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont agreed to the regional initiative as a way to help meet carbon emission limits and reduce electricity costs.

According to the press release, “the New England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE) is charged with evaluating the opportunities, options, and issues relating to the expansion of hydro imports in New England. The states will consider those findings and, as warranted, incorporate them into a strategic plan to be presented to the New England governors for their consideration later this year.”

The study will be tied into NESCOE’s current work on a coordinated regional procurement for renewable energy as directed by a 2012 resolution by the New England governors.