Iberdrola, through its U.S. subsidiary Avangrid, has commissioned the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission network, a major infrastructure project connecting the United States and Canada. The transmission line is designed to promote electrification in New England, enhance the reliability of the region’s electricity system, and help reduce energy costs, supporting competitiveness and economic development for households and businesses.
The project, which began in 2018, has been completed following the approval of all necessary federal and state permits and authorizations. NECEC has already started transmitting hydroelectric power from Quebec through a 233-kilometer high-voltage line with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts—enough to supply nearly 10 percent of the electricity consumed in Massachusetts. The $1.65 billion project operates under regulated, stable 40-year contracts with Massachusetts distributors and Hydro-Québec, ensuring long-term energy delivery and reliability.
NECEC incorporates advanced technology to optimize performance and efficiency. The high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter system allows electricity to be transmitted efficiently over long distances and enables the connection of networks that operate asynchronously. The project also includes two STATCOMs, power electronic devices that maintain voltage and improve supply quality installed at the Buxton substation in Maine with a combined capacity of 300 MVAR. These devices are critical for maintaining grid stability during periods of high demand.
Beyond its technological impact, NECEC provides significant benefits to local communities and the regional economy. The project is expected to contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to community initiatives and programs, supporting social development alongside energy infrastructure. Environmental protection was a central focus throughout the project, with approximately 20,200 hectares secured to preserve regional ecosystems and maintain biodiversity in the areas surrounding the transmission line.
