The Massachusetts House passed a bill by near unanimous vote June 8 that could open the doors for the state to import as much as 1,200 MW of Canadian hydropower. The legislation — An Act to Promote Energy Diversity, or, officially, H.4377 — was approved 154-1, with Rep. James Lyons, R-Andover, the only dissenting vote.
The bill would require Massachusetts utilities to pursue longterm contracts to supply up to 1,200 MW of hydro and 1,200 MW of offshore wind power by 2027. H.4377 stems in large part from former Gov. Deval Patrick, who in 2008 signed policy designed to reduce the state’s carbon dioxide output by 25% from 1990 levels by 2020, with the ultimate goal of reducing levels 80% by 2050.
Current Gov. Charlie Baker has furthered the effort by being an outspoken proponent of imported Canadian hydropower to help meet those goals and last year testified before a state legislative committee supporting bills that would encourage cross-border transmission.
The proposal has not been without controversy, however, as a number of groups, including the New England Power Generators Association, have voiced their opposition. However, a report released by the Massachusetts Clean Electricity Partnership in April indicates consumers within the region will see substantial annual savings should the bill be ultimately approved.
The bill now passes to the state’s senate for consideration.
— Hydro Review, July 2016