what to know
- The project aims to provide hydroelectric power from Hydro-Québec Canada to New York City.
- Construction of the transmission line will generate $3.5 billion in economic benefits for New Yorkers.
- It is expected to generate 1,250 megawatts of clean energy when completed in 2026.
NEW YORK — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced construction of the Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission line beginning Nov. 30 with a goal of providing 1,250 megawatts of clean hydroelectricity upon completion.
The line will run from the Hydro-Québec company in Canada to New York City. This construction follows a major union agreement between Transmission Developers Inc and the New York State Building and Construction Trades.
“This new transmission line connecting North America’s largest clean renewable energy generator to New York City will change the energy landscape for the entire region,” said Sophie Brochu, CEO of Hydro-Québec.
The line will carry hydroelectric power, the energy created by turbines and running water, for 339 miles.
According to the Governor’s office, the accomplishment of this venture will generate $3.5 billion in economic benefits for New Yorkers, which translates into nearly 1,400 union jobs supporting families.
“The Champlain Hudson Power Express is a powerful example of the infrastructure President Biden and Governor Hochul have pledged to bring to New York and the United States,” said US Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm.
New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act aims to have 70 percent of electricity statewide come from renewable sources by 2030. The construction of this transmission line is one step toward achieving that goal.
New York’s “Tier 4” renewable energy and transmission program is the first of its kind, and this is one of two projects that will lead the way under his leadership.
“The program aims to responsibly deliver a significant increase in renewable energy to New York City, an area of the state dependent on aging fossil fuel generation located largely in underserved communities, experiencing energy air quality and health impacts of fossil fuels, fuel emissions and has a marked need to improve grid reliability and resilience,” the governor’s office said.
Champlain Hudson Power Express contractors are executing labor agreements for union projects and are hosting community engagement meetings to convey operational updates to the public.
“This critical transition requires that we nurture our workforce in a way that advances our clean energy goals and uplifts hard-working New Yorkers in high-paying union jobs,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Citizens’ Campaign for environment.
The Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission line is expected to be complete and fully operational by spring 2026.
