National Grid, an international energy delivery company, in association with Bangor Hydro Electric Company, announced they are filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for approval of its funding approach for advancing the Northeast Energy Link (NEL) transmission project.

The NEL, which is in the preliminary stages of development, is proposed to become a new underground transmission line that would stretch approximately 220 miles from northern Maine to northeastern Massachusetts by 2016. It is expected to have a capacity of 1,100 megawatts.

The project is being proposed as an underground, high voltage direct-current line. Once completed, it will provide a critical connection to the vast renewable and carbon-neutral energy resources of northern and eastern Maine and eastern Canada.

The filing seeks confirmation that the companies’ sale of transmission capacity is consistent with FERC’s Open Access policies, according to company officials. The proposed participant funding approach mandates that renewable energy generators pay to use NEL’s transmission capacity.

“This proposed project is yet another example of National Grid’s commitment to and leadership in expanding the region’s portfolio of clean energy resources,” said Tom King, president of National Grid USA, in a statement. “Having access to the significant renewable and carbon-neutral energy resources in Maine and eastern Canada makes this a huge win for New England energy consumers, who will enjoy the benefits of cost-competitive, clean and reliable energy for years to come.”

Both National Grid and Bangor Hydro Electric Company will evaluate a number of potential routes, including one that would utilize existing corridors in eastern Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. By utilizing these routes, the project can mitigate potential effects on the environment and the communities where the line would be located.

“The Northeast Energy Link will serve as a pathway for the region’s energy independence. Projects like this one make it possible to develop the region’s renewable energy resources and reduce its dependence on carbon-based fuels for electricity generation,” said Gerry Chasse, president and chief operating officer of Bangor Hydro Electric Company, in a statement.

“We are pleased to be working with a number of private companies and state governments to improve the region’s energy independence by bringing clean, indigenous energy to market at a cost that will be competitive, predictable, and stable for the long term,” Chasse added.

Bangor Hydro Electric Company is an electric utility wholly owned by Emera. Back in May TMCnet reported that the company selected Itron software to help it migrate from automated meter reading (AMR) processes to an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).

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