Transmission Solutions Under New Long-Term Planning Framework Will Unlock Abundant Clean Energy Resources in Maine 

BOSTON, MA — Today, New England took a major step toward modernizing its electric grid with the launch of the region’s first Request for Proposals (RFP) under a new long-term transmission planning process. This marks a breakthrough in efforts to expand the grid, clear bottlenecks, and bring more clean energy online to meet the region’s growing electricity needs.  

The new long-term framework, developed by ISO-NE in collaboration with the New England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE), is designed to address the need for grid infrastructure as electricity demand in the region is expected to double by 2050. The framework establishes a structured, forward-looking approach to transmission planning that will support grid reliability and deliver economic benefits for decades to come. 

“For years, failure to build transmission to meet the region’s future needs has hampered New England’s progress on its clean energy vision,” said Alex Lawton, Policy Director at Advanced Energy United. “By proactively addressing transmission challenges, New England is taking a critical step to ensure affordable, reliable power for the region while creating a blueprint for the country to develop efficient and cost-effective infrastructure.” 

The RFP focuses on addressing three significant regional transmission needs: 

• Expanding Maine-New Hampshire transfer capability 

• Upgrading a key connection point in Maine (known as Surowiec) 

• Building new infrastructure near Pittsfield, Maine, to interconnect at least 1,200 MW of new clean energy 

The RFP promises to resolve longstanding transmission congestion in Maine which has hindered electricity delivery from north to south, despite the state’s abundance of renewable resource potential. 

“Moving forward, it is critical to ensure that this RFP results in well-vetted, competitively sourced projects getting built quickly to bring net benefits to New England,” added Lawton. “This RFP demonstrates that with the right planning and collaboration, we have the will and means to build the transmission infrastructure necessary to power a clean energy future.” 

The launch of this RFP underscores New England’s leadership in modernizing its grid to meet climate policy requirements while ensuring reliable, affordable power for homes and businesses.