Iberdrola and Avangrid Commission New England Clean Energy Connect to Deliver Canadian Hydropower to the US

Iberdrola commissions the Canada-US interconnection to supply almost 10% of Massachusetts’ electricity needs

(IN BRIEF) Iberdrola, via its US subsidiary Avangrid, has commissioned the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line, a 233-kilometer project delivering hydroelectric power from Quebec to New England. With a capacity of 1,200 MW, the $1.65 billion infrastructure strengthens grid reliability, supports regional electrification, and helps reduce energy costs, supplying nearly 10 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity needs. Incorporating advanced HVDC and grid-stabilizing technologies, the project also delivers environmental protection measures and significant economic benefits for local communities.

(PRESS RELEASE) BILBAO, 16-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Iberdrola, through its US subsidiary Avangrid, has officially placed the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission line into operation, marking a major milestone in cross-border energy infrastructure between Canada and the United States. The 233-kilometer transmission project now delivers hydroelectric power from Quebec to New England, strengthening regional energy security, improving supply reliability, and contributing to lower electricity costs.

NECEC plays a central role in supporting the electrification of New England by providing a stable, long-term source of renewable electricity. With a transmission capacity of 1,200 megawatts, the line is capable of supplying close to 10 percent of Massachusetts’ total electricity demand, helping households and businesses benefit from cleaner energy while enhancing the competitiveness of the regional economy.

Development of the project began in 2018 and progressed through a comprehensive federal and state permitting process. Following completion of construction and regulatory approvals, the transmission line has now entered commercial operation. The infrastructure represents an investment of approximately $1.65 billion and is backed by regulated, long-term 40-year contracts with Massachusetts electricity distributors and Hydro-Québec, providing stability and predictability for the regional power system.

The NECEC project integrates advanced grid technologies to ensure efficient and high-quality power delivery. A high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter system enables long-distance transmission and interconnection between asynchronous electricity networks. In addition, two STATCOM units with a combined capacity of 300 MVAR have been installed at the Buxton substation in Maine to regulate voltage and support grid stability during periods of peak demand.

Beyond its technical and economic benefits, NECEC delivers tangible value to local communities and the wider regional economy. The project is expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for community programs and initiatives, supporting long-term development across affected areas. Environmental protection has been a key consideration throughout the project lifecycle, with approximately 20,200 hectares secured to conserve ecosystems and preserve biodiversity along the corridor.

With NECEC now operational, Iberdrola and Avangrid have reinforced their commitment to advancing clean energy infrastructure, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and supporting the transition to a more resilient, affordable, and sustainable electricity system in New England.

Media Contact:

Tel: +34 91 577 65 00
comunicacioncorporativa@iberdrola.es

SOURCE: Iberdrola