Newly Announced Electricity Transmission Deal Moves Northeastern States Toward Improved Grid

Press Releases

09/07/2024

Newly Announced Electricity Transmission Agreement Helps Northeastern States Improve Grid Reliability

The Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission is the first project of its kind. Next steps include a strategic action plan for promoting interregional transmission projects.

(HARTFORD) – Connecticut today joined a total of 10 Northeastern states in signing a protocol of agreement (MOU) to establish a framework for coordinating their activities to improve interregional transmission planning and development, which will strengthen grid reliability and accelerate the transition to clean energy. Last year, a group of Northeastern states conducted a request The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has asked the U.S. Department of Energy to convene and support a multi-state initiative, the Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission, as part of a first-of-its-kind national effort to explore mutually beneficial opportunities to increase the flow of electricity between three different planning regions in the Northeast and assess offshore wind infrastructure needs and solutions. The MOU was signed by Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

“Connecticut is pleased to join our sister states in the Northeast in this groundbreaking initiative to work toward a cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable electric grid,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “The Northeast shares an interconnected grid, and it is critical that we work together to meet our energy needs, building on our region’s long and productive history of cooperation. Improved electricity transmission means a reduced likelihood of service interruptions and lower costs for consumers through greater access to clean, efficient, and competitive supply alternatives.”

The multi-state group has worked with DOE over the past year to develop the structure and scope of the Collaborative’s activities. Through this MOU, the Collaborative outlines its agreement to collaborate on interregional transmission infrastructure and establishes mechanisms for sharing information. Improving transmission links between regions reduces costs for consumers through increased access to lower-cost energy and enhances reliability during periods of extreme weather and system stress.

The Collaborative also announced today that it intends to develop a strategic action plan to promote the development of interregional offshore wind transmission projects that will be harnessed off the Northeast coast and delivered to communities as clean, reliable energy. The action plan would include identifying barriers to such projects and concrete options to overcome them. The Collaborative intends to provide opportunities for external engagement as part of the development of a plan. States would also coordinate technical standards for offshore wind transmission equipment to ensure future flexibility and interoperability as projects come online in different locations and at different times, thereby preserving the ability to interconnect regions as the industry matures.

“As more clean energy comes to Maine to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, stabilize energy costs and grow our economy, investments in transmission planning and regional coordination are critical,” said Dan Burgess, director of the Maine Governor's Office of Energy“Maine’s participation in the collaborative project will allow the state to engage in important regional transmission planning to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy is delivered to Maine citizens and businesses.”

“We are delighted to strengthen our regional relationships around transmission capacity across the Northeast,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “This cooperative effort around transmission solutions will enable Maryland to advance its ambitious carbon pollution reduction and offshore wind energy goals in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.”

“As we face the challenge of climate change, we know that we cannot address this threat as individual states,” he said. Massachusetts Rebecca Tepper, Secretary of State for Energy and the Environment (EEA)“Regional and interregional collaboration is a top priority of the Healey-Driscoll administration. We are proud to see our ten states working together like never before. Through partnerships like this, we will be able to advance more cost-effective transmission projects for residents of the Northeast.”

“Now more than ever, our electricity grid is the foundation upon which we will continue to build our clean energy future.” said Christine Guhl-Sadovy, chairwoman of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). “As we continue to grow our booming offshore wind industry – while capitalizing on its significant environmental and economic benefits – we will also continue to collaborate with our regional partners to build an increasingly reliable and resilient transmission grid.”

Rory M. Christian, CEO of the New York State Department of Public Servicesaid: “This new collaborative project will be an important tool to help develop interregional transmission projects for offshore wind resources. Operated off the Northeast coast and delivered to communities as clean, reliable energy, they will play a key role in meeting CLCPA requirements and reducing emissions.”

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