Planning Process

The Maine Power Connection Studies commenced in 2007. The MPC study team was formed to coordinate the effort, which included the following participants:

  • Central Maine Power
  • Maine Public Service
  • Bangor Hydro-Electric
  • Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative
  • Houlton Water Company
  • New Brunswick Power Transmission
  • ISO New England
  • Northern Maine Independent System Administrator
  • New Brunswick System Operator

The study scope was divided in three elements:

  • Phase 1: Interconnect MPS territory to the New England grid
  • Phase 2: Interconnect MPS, including up to 800 MW proposed wind projects
  • Phase 3: New (third) northern Maine 345 kV interconnect with eastern Canada

The MPC study group performed extensive computer modeling and simulation of the MPS system, employing mandatory reliability standards as established by the North American Reliability Corporation (NERC) and approved by the Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Phase 1 of the feasibility study indicated that a 138 kV power line over an existing, but undeveloped, MPS corridor between Houlton and Haynesville, would provide an adequate interconnection of the MPS system to the New England electric grid. However, the interconnection is not capable of handling the wind power projects proposed in northern Maine.

Phase 2 evaluated a 345 kV transmission line, which would connect MPS to the New England grid and also connect 800 MW of proposed wind generation projects in Aroostook County. MPS has proposed to join the ISO New England system, provided the costs of the Maine Power Connection project and portions of the MPS 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. To be included in regional rates, the MPC must be shown to provide economic benefits to New England as a whole. If included in regional transmission rates, approximately 8% of project costs would be paid by Maine ratepayers and approximately 92% paid by ratepayers from the other five New England states. In addition, the Maine PUC must review and approve the project.