Hydro-Québec Announces Electric Corridor Route to New York

Construction will begin in 2023.

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The project will see 1,250 megawatts of hydroelectric power from Quebec exported to New York City beginning in 2025.

The 25-year contract is Hydro-Québec’s largest export contract. The company has not released revenue projections, but Quebec Prime Minister François Legault said in September it was worth $ 20 billion.

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The route runs 56 kilometers underground through the municipalities of Montérégie de La Prairie, St-Philippe, St-Jacques-le-Mineur, St-Édouard, St-Patrice-de-Sherrington, St-Cyprien-de-Napierville, St-Bernard- de-Lacolle and Lacolle. It includes a 24-kilometer stretch along Highway 15.

At the border is a 1.6-kilometer subsea segment where the Richelieu River meets Lake Champlain, and then a 545-kilometer line to New York City.

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“In recent months, Hydro-Québec has carried out technical and environmental studies and has spoken with representatives of the community, environmental groups, indigenous communities, property owners potentially affected by the project and residents of the study area,” the company said. “Throughout the many discussions held, the project and the routes of the line under study were presented and the concerns were taken into consideration. The public consultation process resulted in a better project that is adapted to the realities of the host communities. “

Two open house meetings have been scheduled for Quebecers to ask questions about the project:

Once commissioned, the project will be a partnership between Hydro-Québec and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, which will see economic spin-offs for 40 years, the utility said.