The projects are expected to improve the strength and capacity of the state’s bulk power grid and enhance access for new generation resources.
Both the firms have signed a memorandum of understanding for joint project development to improve connections between southern New England and northern Maine, where over 2,100MW of wind power development has been planned.
The companies, which serve over 95% of homes and businesses in Maine, have unveiled two initial phases of work.
The first phase will study the feasibility of each project, including technical feasibility, public policy, regulatory considerations, and outreach to other potential parties to the project.
Phase two will include entire development activities from design, engineering, siting, through construction bidding.
Central Maine Power president and CEO Sara Burns said the company’s Maine Power Reliability Program is the largest construction project in Maine, and one of New England’s largest transmission projects.
"It’s a vast and complex undertaking, but four years into construction, the project is on time and on budget," Burns said.
