Editorial: Dont whet appetite for hydro-powered electricity boost

Published: Monday, January 26, 2026 at 8:52 am

Massachusetts Grapples with Energy Costs Amidst Quebec Hydropower Project

Massachusetts residents are facing mounting energy bills, with over 20% citing them as a significant financial burden. In response, the state is looking to a new source of electricity: hydropower from Quebec. The New England Energy Connect (NECEC) project, a transmission line initiated in 2017, aims to deliver 1,200 megawatts of hydropower to New England over two decades, with Massachusetts slated to receive approximately 20% of its electricity from this source.

The project, which has faced regulatory delays and cost increases, is now estimated to cost $1.6 billion, up from an initial $1 billion. State officials project the NECEC will generate about $3 billion in net benefits for Massachusetts energy customers and reduce ratepayer bills by around $50 million annually. However, this translates to a modest annual savings of roughly $18 to $20 per customer over the contract's duration.

Proponents highlight the environmental benefits, with Avangrid, the parent company behind the NECEC, estimating a reduction of 3.6 million metric tons of carbon emissions per year. This is equivalent to removing 700,000 cars from the road. The hydropower will be sourced from Quebec, which utilizes a vast network of lakes and rivers.

However, the project's success hinges on Quebec's ability to generate sufficient hydropower. Recent drought conditions in the region have significantly diminished water supplies, with 86% of Central Canada, including Quebec, experiencing abnormally dry conditions or moderate to extreme drought. This situation has led to concerns about Hydro-Quebec's ability to meet its contractual obligations, as the company prioritizes serving its domestic customers. A pre-existing power line, Phase II, already connects New England and Quebec, but has recently been exporting energy to Quebec due to the drought.

BNN's Perspective: While the NECEC project offers potential environmental benefits and a new source of energy, the projected cost savings for consumers are minimal. The reliance on a single source, particularly one vulnerable to climate-related impacts like drought, raises concerns about the project's long-term viability and its ability to truly alleviate the financial strain on Massachusetts residents. A more diversified energy portfolio and a focus on cost-effective solutions may be needed to address the state's energy challenges effectively.

Keywords: Massachusetts, energy bills, hydropower, Quebec, NECEC, New England Energy Connect, Avangrid, drought, clean energy, carbon emissions, ratepayers, cost of living

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