A $1.65 billion transmission project is now delivering Quebec hydropower to Massachusetts, boosting reliability, affordability, and access to clean electricity.
Boston, Massachusetts, 22 January 2026 – Iberdrola SA (BME: IBE) has officially commissioned the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC), a major electricity transmission line designed to deliver clean hydropower from Canada into the United States. Valued at USD 1.65 billion (EUR 1.41 billion), the project is expected to supply nearly 10% of Massachusetts’ electricity needs, strengthening the region’s power system and supporting long-term energy stability.
Developed through Iberdrola’s US subsidiary Avangrid, the NECEC project connects Quebec’s hydroelectric generation to New England through a 233-kilometre (144.8 miles) high-voltage transmission line. With a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, the interconnector is designed for long-distance electricity delivery and enhanced grid performance, particularly during periods of high demand.
Construction began in 2018, and the line has now entered service after securing all required federal and state permits. The project is positioned as a key infrastructure upgrade for New England’s energy network, offering a clean energy supply at scale while helping utilities manage rising electricity demand.
One of the major strengths of NECEC is its long-term revenue certainty. Iberdrola said the project is supported by regulated, 40-year contracts with Massachusetts electricity distributors and Canadian utility Hydro-Quebec. These agreements provide stable cash flows and support long-term planning for both infrastructure and energy delivery.
Beyond power supply, the interconnector is expected to improve grid reliability across the region. By providing a steady source of electricity from hydropower, NECEC can help balance fluctuations in demand and support electrification goals, especially as more homes and businesses shift toward electric heating, electric vehicles, and other electricity-based technologies.
To ensure stable transmission across long distances, the project includes a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter system. This technology helps move large volumes of electricity efficiently and also enables connections between asynchronous power networks.
In addition, Iberdrola said two static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs) have been installed at the Buxton substation in Maine. With a combined capacity of 300 MVAR, these systems support voltage control and enhance grid stability, particularly during peak usage when the network is under higher strain.
Iberdrola also highlighted the project’s wider regional impact, stating that NECEC will contribute hundreds of millions of dollars toward community programmes and local initiatives. The company added that environmental steps have been included as part of the development, including the protection of around 20,200 hectares of land to help safeguard ecosystems in the region.
With NECEC now in service, the project marks a significant step forward in building stronger cross-border energy infrastructure. It also reflects a growing focus on large-scale clean power transmission as utilities and consumers look for reliable, lower-emission electricity to meet modern energy needs.
