The New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line has delivered hydropower from Quebec into Maine since January but with limited net gains for the region so far. Energy flows have been inconsistent, including multiple outages, and total imports remain below previous levels on older lines.
The 1.2-gigawatt line, known as NECEC, began operations earlier this year under a contract for 9.55 terawatt-hours annually from Hydro-Québec. Through the end of April, it carried about 2.4 terawatt-hours, yet overall imports from Quebec have not increased substantially.
Before NECEC, the Phase 2 line delivered more than 12 terawatt-hours in 2019. Imports on that line have since declined sharply, with just over 0.5 terawatt-hours arriving through April this year. Quebec has also begun importing power northward over Phase 2, exceeding 500 gigawatt-hours in the first four months.
Drought conditions in Quebec have reduced available hydropower, according to industry observers. Hydro-Québec has faced roughly 27 days of zero flow on NECEC, including a near two-week outage in late May and early June attributed to technical issues.
Officials note that contract penalties protect Massachusetts utilities from shortfalls. Long-term forecasts point to wetter conditions and expanded Canadian renewable capacity that could increase future deliveries.