Power project
New England Clean Energy Connect
Québec–Lewiston corridor, Maine · Transmission
In service — documented
The 1,200 MW line entered commercial operation on January 16, 2026, after a referendum and litigation interrupted its development.
A transmission connection, not a new power station. Hourly imports depend on available supply and dispatch.
Last documented milestone:
Sources checked: September 7, 2026
- Developer / operator
- NECEC Transmission / Avangrid; Hydro-Québec
- Technology
- High-voltage direct-current transmission
What the equipment is rated to do
Capacity is not annual energy output or guaranteed availability. MW and MWh describe different quantities.
The documented hurdles
- Litigation / legal restrictionsHistorical hurdle
The referendum and vested-rights dispute interrupted the route to construction; the record now includes operation.
The dated trail
Voters approve restrictions
The Maine court describes a referendum that effectively halted the project.
Court orders further factfinding
The court identifies a conditional vested-rights protection and remands for findings rather than itself resolving every factual issue.
Jury verdict supports proceeding
Avangrid reports that the Cumberland County jury found in its favor on vested rights.
Commercial operation begins
EIA records the start of commercial operation. Its later January analysis also documents interrupted imports during severe cold.
Read the story
Open the supporting records
1. Operational analysis · U.S. Energy Information Administration
NECEC enters service; winter trade flows change
Transfer capacity is not guaranteed hourly delivery. The report describes a dated operating period, not current dispatch.
Publication: 2026-01-30 · Checked: 2026-09-07
Source record: necec-eia-operation
Location in source: Opening paragraphs; January 16 start and January 24–27 power-flow discussion2. Court opinion · Maine Supreme Judicial Court
NECEC Transmission: referendum and vested-rights decision
The court remanded for factual findings on vested rights; this was not itself the later jury verdict or an operating authorization.
Publication: 2022-08-30 · Checked: 2026-09-07
Source record: necec-2022-opinion
Location in source: Paragraphs 2, 20 and 51–53; disposition on pages 38–393. Developer statement · Avangrid
Avangrid reports the NECEC jury verdict
A party’s account of the verdict, not an independent assessment of project benefits.
Publication: 2023-04-20 · Checked: 2026-09-07
Source record: necec-2023-verdict
Location in source: Statements following the Cumberland County jury decision