ProjectElectricityGoes south

New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC)

1,200 MW high-voltage direct-current line carrying Hydro-Québec power through Maine into the New England grid, under 20-year contracts with Massachusetts utilities for about 9.55 TWh a year. It entered commercial operation on January 16, 2026. Deliveries were interrupted several times in its first months, and in September 2026 the Massachusetts utilities and Hydro-Québec took a payment dispute over the shortfalls to court.

Status

In service

Direction

South: Carries Canadian output to the United States.

Capacity

1,200 MW

Where

Quebec

In service

16 January 2026

Needs new laws?

No: can proceed under existing rules

Events

• about 10 September 2026Massachusetts utilities sue Hydro-Québec for $40 million over missed NECEC deliveries; Hydro-Québec sues them for $50 millionActionCourt rulingUnited States1 source
• 15 July 2026Hydro-Québec says its sales outside Quebec averaged about 13¢/kWh in Q1 2026 and NECEC deliveries about 9¢StatementStatementQuebec1 source
• 16 January 2026New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC, a 1,200 MW high-voltage direct current line from Quebec to New England) enters commercial operationActionOtherInternational3 sources