<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0gGBA5_1Dj0nIRM00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0gGBA5_1Dj0nIRM00" width="840" height="556" ><figcaption>Robert F. Bukaty / AP file Windmills catch the wind blowing on Stetson Mountain, in Range 8, Township 3, Maine, in this July 14, 2009 file photo.</figcaption></figure>Electric grid operator ISO-New England is recommending the region select a $2.2 billion transmission line proposed by Central Maine Power to improve power flows in the region. ISO-NE presented its "preliminary preferred solution" to a planning advisory committee Tuesday. The project is a response to a request for proposals issued by New England states as part of a regional long-term transmission planning initiative. The project cost would be paid off by electric customers. The joint proposal from CMP and Eversource would build new high voltage transmission lines from southern New Hampshire to Pittsfield, Maine. A goal of the project is to lay the groundwork to connect with 1,200 megawatts of planned wind power in Aroostook County, according to the grid operator. CMP spokesperson Jon Breed says the development would also alleviate congestion on the grid and make it easier to transfer electricity between southern New England and northern Maine. "This isn't one project that is an answer to one specific need," Breed said. "This is all six states looking at the regional grid and determining what is the best way forward; what do we need to ensure that we are making the right investments now so we aren't running into problems later."The proposal would include upgrading existing power lines and would not require new land purchases or widespread tree clearing, according to Breed. About 170 miles of line would be upgraded across four segments in Maine, Breed added. ISO-NE chose the project out of six proposals ranging from $960 million to more than $4 billion. Eliza Donoghue, executive director of the Maine Renewable Energy Association, said the project presented a major opportunity to develop renewables in northern Maine.While the preferred solution designation was a big step forward, the project is still in its infancy, Donoghue added. "There's still a lot of permitting that needs to happen, there is work that needs to be done before the Maine Public Utilities Commission, so we are still very much in the early stages of what is going to be a much more prolonged and public-facing process," Donoghue said. The proposal will now be open for comments and will be considered by the six New England governors through the nonprofit New England States Committee on Electricity. The states can decide to terminate the process, amend the allocation of who will bear the costs of the proposal, or allow it to move ahead. If approved, the development could be in operation by late 2032. </div></body>

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Electric grid operator ISO-New England is recommending the region select a $2.2 billion transmission line proposed by Central Maine Power to improve power flows in the region. ISO-NE presented its "preliminary preferred solution" to a planning advisory committee Tuesday. The project is a response to a request for proposals issued by New England states as part of a regional long-term transmission planning initiative. The project cost would be paid off by electric customers.

New CMP power line selected as 'preferred' solution to improve regional power flows

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Electric grid operator ISO-New England is recommending the region select a $2.2 billion transmission line proposed by Central Maine Power to improve power 

New CMP power line selected as 'preferred' solution to improve regional power flows

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