The new transmission line between Quebec and Maine provides 1,200 megawatts (MW) of renewable hydroelectric power to the New England power grid in Lewiston, Maine, sufficient to meet the demand of 1.2 million homes. In operation since January 2026, NECEC is New England's largest renewable energy source, saving customers $190 million per year.
Operating plant
New England Clean Energy Connect
LocationQuebec (Canada) y Maine (USA)
Transmission capacity1,200 MW
Total investment$1.65 billion
Comissioning2026
AVANGRID – Iberdrola Group's subsidiary in the United States – is supplying 100% renewable hydroelectric power at a fixed rate to Massachusetts distribution companies as part of the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) project, carried out in partnership with Canadian public company Hydro-Québec. The project, which began in 2018 and has been in commercial operation since 2026, has completed construction after obtaining all major federal and state approvals across multiple administrations.
With an investment of $1.65 billion, NECEC enables the transmission of renewable energy from Quebec (Canada) to Maine (USA) as well as to the shared network in the New England region, thanks to the construction of a 233-kilometre high-voltage line with a transmission capacityof 1,200 MW.
This new electrical network diversifies the electricity supply in the north-western United States, strengthens grid stability and mitigates risks to the grid during extreme weather events.
New England Clean Energy Connect in detail
The shortest route
NECEC has been in operation since 2026 with 233 kilometres of high-voltage line to carry hydroelectric power from Quebec to New England, strengthening regional electrification with strategic Canada-US infrastructure..
Technological innovation
The project incorporates advanced technology such as the HVDC converter system, which allows the efficient transmission of electricity over long distances and connects electrical systems operating at different frequencies.
Reliable supply
It adds 1,200 MW to the ISO-New England system, improving grid stability, especially during periods of high demand and extreme weather events.
Lower cost
In addition to providing low-cost energy, its predictable pricing structure will help reduce volatility: Massachusetts estimated savings of $3.38 billion for customers over 20 years.
Benefits for local communities
The positive impact of NECEC translates into local returns, with an approximate tax benefit of $17 million in the first year for host regions and contributions to community programmes.
Commitment to a cleaner environment
The interconnection replaces more emission-intensive generation with hydroelectric power, accelerating the energy transition in the region by supplying clean energy to 1.2 million homes.
Environmental protection
The commitment to environmental protection has also been constant throughout all phases of the project, including securing some 20,200 hectares to protect the region's ecosystems.
Stable electricity prices
Hydroelectric power provides electricity all year round, curbing price increases when there is a peak in energy demand.
The project incorporates advanced technology such as the HVDC converter system, which allows electricity to be transmitted efficiently over long distances and connects electrical systems operating at different frequencies. This facilitates energy exchanges and improves the stability of the system. What’s more, by enabling the connection between alternating current networks the resilience of the electrical infrastructure is increased as it prevents the spread of faults that can result in blackouts.
The project team installed two STATCOMs – power equipment that maintains voltage and improves supply quality – with a capacity of 300 megavolt-ampere reactive (MVAr) at the Buxton substation (Maine), which are essential for ensuring grid balance at times of high demand.
Another of the project's major innovative features has been the use of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology, which posed a significant technological challenge during the execution of the works. This technique has made it possible to cross the bed of the Kennebec River via an underground crossing, allowing the transmission lines to pass through with minimal environmental and visual impact.
For detailed information on the project layout, the route of the line and the location of the main substations and associated facilities, please consult the following map.
The New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) project is helping to accelerate the energy transition in New England by incorporating 100% renewable hydroelectricity from Hydro-Québec's extensive generation fleet. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels and enables progress towards a more secure, resilient and low-emission electricity system.
The full operation of NECEC represents one of the largest energy contributions in the history of the New England region, with benefits for various stakeholders.
For customers and communities
NECEC will save New England taxpayers approximately $3.38 billion over the next 20 years, while reducing wholesale energy prices and providing direct bill relief and a support fund for the most vulnerable consumers.
Improvements to energy infrastructure in the state of Maine will strengthen grid reliability, mitigate environmental impact and generate approximately $15 million in annual tax benefits for host communities, as well as driving hundreds of millions in broader economic activity.
The project has also channelled resources into public interest initiatives, such as grants for the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, funding for education, broadband expansion, energy-efficiency programmes (such as the installation of heat pumps) and land conservation, while supporting tourism-related economic development.
For our planet
This project diversifies the energy supply and is backed by the permanent conservation of 50,000 acres of wilderness in Maine, one of the largest contiguous conservation efforts in the region. It is a cornerstone of our commitment to environmental stewardship.
For our company
With the key risks related to permitting, legal issues and construction now resolved, NECEC has transitioned from a project under development to a long-term revenue-generating asset. Its strong financial foundation, backed by multi-decade contracts, ensures predictable value and positions it as a premier infrastructure investment in line with our industry leadership.
+1,600 jobs
per year during the construction phase.
3.1 million tonnes
of carbon emissions avoided, equivalent to removing 660,000 cars from the roads.
1.2 million
households are receiving clean energy through the networks.
+1,600 jobs
per year during the construction phase.
3.1 million tonnes
of carbon emissions avoided, equivalent to removing 660,000 cars from the roads.
1.2 million
households are receiving clean energy through the networks.
The NECEC project is Iberdrola's second interconnection between Canada and the United States. The first was carried out as part of the Maine Power Reliability Project (MPRP), an initiative that involved the construction and renovation of 800 kilometres of transmission lines and the commissioning or improvement of 13 substations. This project involved an investment of $1.4 billion and created an average of 2,100 jobs per year until its completion in 2015.
The MPRP helped to improve service quality and laid the foundations for the future incorporation of new renewable capacity into the networks, as well as bringing numerous social and economic benefits to Maine.
Smart grids are essential for the support of the electrification of the economy and to ensure that renewable energy reaches consumers safely and efficiently. At Iberdrola, we operate one of the world’s most important distribution systems and continue to work on its modernisation, digitalisation and automation. For this reason, the Networks business is now a core part of our Strategic Plan, with an investment of €37 billion planned for 2028 across distribution and transmission.
SEE INFOGRAPHIC: New England Clean Energy Connect, in detail [PDF] External link, opens in new window.
