Québec–New Hampshire InterconnectionOn the way to undergrounding part of line in Forêt Hereford area

November 20, 2017—Hydro-Québec has submitted the required documents to the government concerning the undergrounding of a stretch of the Québec–New Hampshire line in the Forêt Hereford area.

The Québec government and Hydro-Québec are willing to underground part of the line because the project will still remain profitable and an underground route is technically feasible at this location.

“This interconnection line will increase Hydro-Québec’s export revenue. The additional costs of undergrounding will have no impact on Quebecers’ electricity bills, as they will be financed through export revenues,” explained Pierre Moreau, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

The project addresses goals set by the 2030 Energy Policy. The new interconnection will enable HQ to increase its energy exports to New England at a time when several neighboring markets have set GHG reduction targets.

“Over the last few months, we have been working with Hydro-Québec and our community stakeholders to come up with solutions. I am pleased at how this has turned out and would like to underscore the importance to us all of Neil Tillotson’s forest legacy. It is the largest private gift of land in the history of Québec,” said Guy Hardy, MNA for Saint-François.

Northern Pass

In the U.S., the Northern Pass transmission line project last week reached a major milestone when Hydro-Québec’s American partner, Eversource Energy, obtained its Presidential permit.

“That’s excellent news, because we would like to increase our exports to New England,” added Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydro-Québec. The Northern Pass is one of the projects introduced in response to the Massachusetts request for proposals.

The partial undergrounding of the Québec–New Hampshire interconnection line still has to be approved by the Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques.

Profitable exports

Since 2006, our exports have generated profits of over $7 billion. In addition to contributing to Quebeckers’ collective wealth, our clean energy enables our neighbors to reduce their carbon footprint.

For more information :

Hydro-Québec
Media Relations
Tel.: 514-289-5005

Catherine Poulin
Press Attaché
Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister responsible for the Plan Nord and Minister responsible for the Gaspésie – Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Tel.: 418-643-7295