MAINE PUBLIC • April 20, 2023
A powerline that Central Maine Power and its partners hoped to develop in northwest Maine was rejected by voters in a 2021 referendum. But it may come back to life after a unanimous jury verdict Thursday. The court case involved the project known as New England Clean Energy Connect, a billion-dollar 145-mile powerline from the Quebec/Maine border to Lewiston. About 50 miles would travel through the Maine woods. Proponents say it would deliver renewable energy from Hydro Quebec dams to Massachusetts, which has been seeking clean energy contracts. Opponents question its environmental benefits, and criticize its impacts on the Maine woods. In a 2021 referendum, Maine voters rejected the project.