FAQ

  1. What is the bulk power transmission system?

  2. What is the Maine Power Connection (MPC)?

  3. Why did CMP and MPS initiate the Maine Power Connection?

  4. Who is responsible for the MPC system study?

  5. What was studied?

  6. Will CMP and MPS need to acquire land to build new transmission lines and substations?

  7. What are the rights of landowners and what should they expect?

  8. What permits are required?

  9. Will the transmission project affect the environment?

  10. What will be the public benefits of the Maine Power Connection?

  11. How much will the project cost and who will pay?

  1. What is the bulk power transmission system?

    Transmission lines carry bulk electricity from generating plants to regional areas where electricity is needed. From there, distribution lines carry electricity to where it is used. The interlocking system of high-voltage power lines, typically 115,000 volts (115 kV) or higher, is commonly referred to as the bulk power system or electric grid. The bulk power system is analogous to the Interstate Highway System and major state highways, providing a high capacity and efficient path to move large amounts of electricity to consumers.

  2. What is the Maine Power Connection (MPC)?

    The MPC is a program of Maine Public Service Company (MPS) and Central Maine Power Company (CMP), created to study the feasibility of building a new transmission line from central Maine to Aroostook County to connect northern Maine to the New England electric grid to enhance competition, enable the development of renewable energy resources, and to improve service and reliability. Back to Top

  3. Why did CMP and MPS initiate the Maine Power Connection?

    The Maine Public Utilities Commission concluded in a report to the Maine Legislature (Read the Report) that northern Maine electric power consumers could possibly benefit from a direct transmission connection of the MPS system to the New England electric grid. In response to this finding and to requests to connect more than 800 MW of proposed wind generation to serve Maine and New England consumers, CMP and MPS entered into an agreement to study the feasibility of a new transmission line. Back to Top

  4. Who is responsible for the MPC system study?

    The MPC system studies are coordinated by CMP, MPS, and ISO New England (ISO-NE) with participation by neighboring utilities in New England and eastern Canada.

    CMP is a member of ISO New England (ISO-NE), the Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), serving most of Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. ISO-NE operates New England's bulk electric power system and oversees the regional bulk power market. ISO-NE has lead responsibility for the reliability of the region's bulk electricity supply, including compliance with reliability standards established by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) (www.nerc.com) and the Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC) (www.npcc.org).

    MPS proposes to join ISO New England, provided the costs of the Maine Power Connection project and portions of the MPS existing transmission system are included in New England regional rates in a manner that northern Maine will obtain economic benefits from joining ISO New England that outweigh the costs to them of ISO New England participation. Back to Top

  5. What was studied?

    The Maine Power Connection Feasibility Study is divided into three phases:
    • Phase 1: Interconnect MPS territory to the New England grid
    • Phase 2: Interconnect MPS, including up to 800 MW of proposed wind projects
    • Phase 3: New northern Maine interconnect with Eastern Canada

    Read the Program Background for details on the study. Back to Top

  6. Will CMP and MPS need to acquire land to build new transmission lines and substations?

    The Maine Power Connection will require the acquisition of land for portions of the project. While some of the new 345 kV transmission line will be constructed over existing power line corridors (rights of way) to the maximum extent feasible, new corridors will also be created to accommodate the project. Back to Top

  7. What are the rights of landowners and what should they expect?

    CMP and MPS will negotiate with public and private landowners to obtain the necessary rights to build the project. That process includes a number of notifications, requests, and negotiations with property owners along the proposed routes. MPS and CMP believe in paying fair-market value for land or easements and are committed to working with landowners to achieve the best estimate of that value.

    CMP and MPS have limited authority to use eminent domain to acquire land; however, this is very rarely used. Back to Top

  8. What permits are required?

    The MPC will require a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Also, the project will require environmental permits from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the Site Location of Development Law and the Natural Resource Protection Act. Additionally, municipal permits will be required in many local jurisdictions; and, federal permits may also be necessary. Back to Top

  9. Will the transmission project affect the environment?

    MPS and CMP will take significant steps to avoid or mitigate impacts on Maine's environment. The companies have selected existing transmission corridors (rights of way) where ever possible and will carefully design the project to mitigate impacts on the environment and landowners.

    Significant vernal pools will be identified and mapped and all wetlands will be likewise located and catalogued. Additionally, biologists will survey the proposed route for endangered and threatened species of plants and wildlife. Based on this information, Maine Power Connection engineers and environmental experts will work closely together to avoid or minimize the impact of transmission towers, poles, and substations on wildlife, flora, land, and water. Back to Top

  10. What will be the public benefits of the Maine Power Connection?

    The MPC will bring substantial economic benefits to northern Maine as well as the rest of Maine and New England. The project provides competitive regional electricity costs for customers in northern Maine, enhances market access for renewable energy sources, allowing up to 800 MW of wind development; improves system reliability for northern Maine, Maine and New England; reduces carbon dioxide emissions and other air pollutants; increases state and local tax revenues; creates well-paying green jobs, stimulates new R&D initiatives; and provides more than $1.6 billion of potential investment in renewable energy. Back to Top

  11. How much will the project cost and who will pay?

    Under the ISO-NE rules, many bulk transmission projects are considered regional investments and, accordingly, they are designated Pool Transmission Facilities (PTF's). The cost of construction and maintenance of Pool Transmission Facilities is shared with other participating New England utilities and their customers. Under the current ISO-NE formula, Maine ratepayers would bear approximately 8% of eligible program costs. The remaining 92% will be born by ratepayers in the other five New England states.

    Maine Power Connection is currently estimated to cost $625 million. The preliminary estimate is based on the length of the proposed line and associated facilities. Back to Top