The Department of Energy issued a record of decision and approved the presidential permit for the proposed $1.6 billion Northern Pass Transmission Line project.
The 192-mile above and below ground, alternating and direct current transmission system will deliver up to 1090 megawatts of low-emission, reliable hydropower from Quebec, Canada to Deerfield, New Hampshire while creating jobs, lowering energy costs, and reducing the carbon footprint across New England.
The approval of presidential permit PP-371 allows the Northern Pass Transmission Line project to cross the international border and connect into the U.S. grid. Northern Pass’s construction of the line is expected to begin as early as April of 2018, pending approval by the State of New Hampshire’s Site Evaluation Committee.
“Smart energy infrastructure development projects like Northern Pass – which support a reliable and resilient grid, promote economic growth, lower energy costs and benefit the environment we all share – shouldn’t take this long to approve,” said Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. “This Administration is committed to improving our nation’s energy infrastructure while also reforming the federal permitting process so that projects like Northern Pass receive full, and prompt, consideration.”
According to Northern Pass, it is estimated that construction of the transmission system will create more than 2,600 American jobs and provide over $600 million in annual energy cost savings for New England consumers.