Mass. utilities and Hydro-Quebec sue each other over missing hydropower
Three Massachusetts utilities are suing Canadian energy giant Hydro-Québec after it failed to deliver promised hydropower for several days during a cold snap this winter. Hydro-Québec, in turn, is suing the utilities for withholding payment for power that was delivered.
The dispute is the latest in a string of challenges surrounding hydropower imports into New England. It centers on 12 days in January and February when temperatures plunged well below zero Fahrenheit in Québec. Electricity demand surged in the region, leading the Canadian company to largely stop exporting power along the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission line, which began operation on Jan. 16.
“What is at stake is essentially an argument regarding the remedies that are due to the parties under the power purchase agreements,” said Joseph LaRusso, manager of the Clean Grid Program at climate nonprofit Acadia Center.
Environmental advocates are nonetheless confident that NECEC will help New England achieve its emissions goals, as well as rein in high energy costs.
“NECEC is making a material difference to the grid here in ISO New England,” said LaRusso. “And I don’t see these contract disputes altering that.”
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