Participation in Hydro-Québec provides CMEEC with access to approximately 16.8 MW of clean, reliable hydropower through a long-standing transmission interconnection between Québec and New England.
Since at least 1985, CMEEC has been an Interconnection Rights Holder (IRH) on the U.S. portion of the Phase I and Phase II high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system connecting Québec and New England. These transmission facilities enable the delivery of large-scale hydroelectric power generated in Québec into the regional grid.
Hydro-Québec’s hydropower resources are more than 99% renewable and provide a continuous, dispatchable source of electricity that can be delivered on demand. This flexibility allows hydropower to complement other renewable sources and support overall grid reliability. Energy can also flow into from our region into Canada depending on market or operational conditions.
The system spans more than 1,000 miles, extending from the Radisson Substation in Québec to the Sandy Pond Substation in Massachusetts. Phase I entered service in 1986, followed by Phase II in 1990, creating a combined transfer capability of approximately 2,000 MW.
As one of 32 interconnection rights holders, CMEEC supports the operation of the transmission system through ongoing support payments and equity participation. In return, CMEEC secures access to clean hydropower through long-term contractual arrangements, delivering renewable energy to the region and financial value to CMEEC’s project participants.
Project Participants
- Groton Utilities
- Norwich Public Utilities
- Jewett City Department of Public Utilities
- South Norwalk Electric and Water
- Third Taxing District of Norwalk