Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) and GridAmerica Holdings, a part of National Grid Ventures, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the 1.2GW Granite State Power Link (GSPL) project.
The two companies have also signed a services agreement to support the project that will transmit new Canadian wind energy to New England through a new overhead transmission line.
As per the terms of the agreement, Vermont Transco will collaborate as a contractor with GridAmerica to permit and construct the GSPL.
The link will consists of a new 94.9km overhead transmission line with 85.2km built adjacent to VELCO’s existing transmission line in the Northeast Kingdom.
Subject to securing approvals, construction on the project is due to begin in mid-2020. The project is planned to be commissioned by the end of 2022.
GSPL project will be composed of two segments. The first is a new high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) overhead line located in Vermont alongside an existing HVDC line in an expanded right-of-way corridor from the international border at Norton, Vermont, to a proposed converter station on National Grid-owned property in Monroe, New Hampshire.
The second segment will be an upgrade of an existing National Grid overhead line in New Hampshire to accommodate the additional power flow from the new HVDC line. This line will run from Monroe to southern New Hampshire, where a proposed switching station will be built.
VELCO president and CEO Tom Dunn said: “VELCO is pleased to extend our working relationship with National Grid by joining them on this regional project.
"If the Granite State Power Link project is selected for the Massachusetts Clean Energy RFP, our contract ensures that an established Vermont company with a proven track record for completing complex electric transmission projects on time and on budget will be leading the project management and land acquisition effort within Vermont.
“VELCO’s responsibility is to provide safe, reliable electricity and to serve the public good consistent with Vermont values. This agreement advances VELCO’s vision to help Vermont create a clean energy future.”
Image: Velco signs agreement to support Granite State Power Link. Photo: Courtesy of John Smith/FreeImages.com