On December 18, the New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee (SEC) accepted an application from Eversource Energy for a certificate of site and facility for the US$1.6 billion Northern Pass transmission line. This line, which could tap into 1,096 MW from Hydro-Quebec, was approved Dec. 7, by a 6-0 vote. Construction could begin in 2017 and power start flowing in spring 2019.
The one-year clock is ticking for SEC to complete its review. The panel accepted the application by Hartford, Ct.-based Eversource to run a 192-mile-long transmission line from Pittsburg to Deerfield. Sixty miles of the line will be buried and supporters say it will create jobs and lower costs in a region where consumers paid 19.29 cents/kWh in 2015, more than 50% higher than the national average, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Opponents argue the project will hurt property values, tourism and the environment. Two groups said Eversource has not provided supporting data. It has full control of land intended for the power line.
— Hydro Review, January 2016