Hartford energy giant Northeast Utilities’ plan to bring low-cost, no-carbon hydroelectric power from Canada into New England via its $1.1 billion Northern Pass transmission line faces serious opposition in New Hampshire.
The New Hampshire General Court is considering a bill to keep projects such as Northern Pass from using the state’s eminent domain law to acquire the right-of-way necessary to build the transmission line.
The legislation — House Bill 648 — says such projects are not necessary to provide economic and reliable electric service to customers.
NU and its project partners – Boston-based NStar and Canada-based Hydro-Quebec – have run into issues with residents in northern New England opposed to the heavy power lines near their property.
In testimony before the New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee, officials from NU electric subsidiary Public Service of New Hampshire said the legislation will have damaging, long-term effects on the state.
They said the bill will prevent utility companies from providing cost-effective electricity and maintain the state’s electrical system.
The $1.1 billion Northern Pass project links the New England power grid to the hydroelectric power offered by Hydro-Quebec.
Hydropower is one of the cheapest forms of energy and emits very little greenhouse gases, although it requires flooding of land surrounding major waterways.
