Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey praised the upcoming completion of the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission line, which is anticipated to lower energy bills by about $50 million a year. In a statement published on the state's official website, Healey expressed gratitude towards the partnership of the Legislature and Attorney General Andrea Campbell in ensuring the success of the project. Upon completion by year's end, the NECEC will deliver 1,200 megawatts of hydropower from Québec to New England and is expected to significantly fortify the region's power grid while alleviating some of the financial pressures of energy costs.
According to the same announcement, the line is set to provide Massachusetts with approximately 20 percent of its overall electricity and promises to inject roughly $3 billion in net benefits to the state's electric distribution customers. This move, as part of a larger picture, is aimed at swiftly responding to increasing energy needs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and maintaining energy reliability, particularly during the winter months—a season that is often trying for New Englanders trying to keep their homes warm.
The collaborative efforts included contributions from the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Attorney General’s Office, who along with Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil, negotiated with NECEC to solidify agreements beneficial to ratepayers. These were subsequently approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. "I am thrilled that the NECEC line will soon be completed," Attorney General Andrea Campbell said, celebrating the step toward meeting the state's clean energy goals while keeping prices manageable for residents, as stated in the state's news release.
Political leaders expressed optimism for the benefits expected to unfold. "The completion of the NECEC transmission line comes at a critical time for Massachusetts residents," House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano imparted, emphasizing the importance of lowering energy costs and improving reliability. Senate President Karen E. Spilka echoed this sentiment, looking forward to the project delivering results in the forthcoming months. Representative Mark Cusack also commended Avangrid for their efforts to complete the NECEC transmission line, anticipating it to support both affordability and grid reliability for the Commonwealth's residents and businesses, as per the state's official website.
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