Emera Inc. and National Grid have announced their intention to partner on the development of the Northeast Energy Link transmission connection.

National Grid will join Emera Inc. and Spectra Energy, who are working to evaluate the feasibility of a new electric transmission line from northern Maine and Maritime Canada to supply energy to the southern New England market.

The Northeast Energy Link would provide the New England market with new access to a portfolio of existing and future renewable generation developments in both northern Maine and Atlantic Canada. This would provide reliable and cost-effective electricity to the growing New England market and assist state governments in achieving their environmental objectives.

“National Grid has significant electric transmission experience and a strong market presence in New England,” said Chris Huskilson, president and CEO of Emera Inc. “This complements Emera’s market position in Atlantic Canada and Maine. Working together with National Grid we intend to play a role in New England’s future transmission development plans.”

The new transmission infrastructure would be built in a multi-phase project that would initially provide for 660 MW of electricity transfer from Atlantic Canada and northern Maine directly to Massachusetts. Additional benefits and market efficiencies include:

• increased trade and investments between Atlantic Canada and New England.
• supporting New England’s renewable portfolio standard targets; stable electricity costs for all customers in New England.
• increased reliability within the New England ISO and the Maritime provinces.
• enabling development of new generation in both Atlantic Canada and Maine.