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An energy company has received the final permit from Maine to build a controversial hydroelectric transmission line project that promises to power hundreds of thousands of homes. Massachusetts,
This project is to supply up to 1,200 MW of hydropower to Canada. new England power grid. Maine voters rejected the project in a 2021 referendum as opponents mounted a campaign alleging it would destroy woodlands in the state.
A jury ruled in 2023 that the developers had the constitutional right to proceed. AvanGrid Inc., the power company behind the project, received the final permit needed for the New England Clean Energy Connect Corridor on Nov. 19.
AvanGrid spokesman John Breed said final testing of the CMP corridor is on track to be completed by mid-December, after which the system can begin delivering power.
The company portrayed the action as a win for clean energy and the environment.
“We have secured every permit, met every regulatory requirement and overcome significant challenges because we believe we must meet the urgent need for reliable energy at a time of growing demand,” said Jose Antonio Miranda, Chief Executive Officer of Avangrid.
The 145-mile (233-kilometre) transmission line extends from Lewiston, Maine to the Canadian border, mostly following established utility corridors. A new 53-mile (85-kilometre) section was at the center of the battle over the project.
Opponents said the lengthy legal battle over the corridor has stoked resentment against Avangrid, which owns Central Maine Power, the state of Maine’s largest utility.
Seth Berry, executive director of Our Power, an energy nonprofit in Maine, said, “Unless future energy projects bring better benefits to affected Maine communities, such as shared ownership, we can expect to see even greater backlash against elected leaders and the industry as a whole.”
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Associated Press writer Michael Casey boston Contributed to this report.