Proposed link for northeast renewable projects

HUNTINGTON STATION, NEW YORK - Emera Inc. and National Grid announced a partnership to develop an electricity transmission line linking northern Maine and Maritime Canada to supply energy to the southern New England market.

National Grid will join Emera Inc. and Spectra Energy, who are working to evaluate the feasibility of the Northeast Energy Link, which they say 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.

"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.