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Mainers Voice Their Support for the New England Clean Energy Connect

April 26, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ted Varipatis
Serra Public Affairs
207-415-6182 / ted@serrapublicaffairs.com

Mainers Voice Their Support for the New England Clean Energy Connect

The New England Clean Energy Connect launches a statewide advertising effort featuring Mainers showing their excitement about the effect of the project in the state.

Augusta, Maine – Supporters of the New England Clean Energy Connect announced Friday afternoon a new statewide advertising campaign featuring Mainers talking about the benefits the project brings to Maine and how it will positively affect them.

The first ad features Will Purington II, a Central Maine business owner, father and outdoorsman. He talks about how the more than 1,600 construction jobs the project will create provides stability in the local construction industry while keeping Maine workers in our state. You can view the ad here.

The advertising is scheduled to begin on Sunday, April 28th, and will be seen on local television statewide, and on various cable outlets and digital platforms.

About the New England Clean Energy Connect

Maine ratepayers need reliable and affordable clean energy. By harnessing Canadian hydropower, the New England Clean Energy Connect will address climate change in Maine and the region by reducing carbon emissions. With no cost to Maine ratepayers, the project will also increase Maine’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by more than half a billion dollars, bring a $1 billion infrastructure investment to Maine, reduce prices for Maine ratepayers and have positive local revenue impacts. For more information on the project go to www.necleanenergyconnect.org.

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Maine Public Utilities Commission Approves New England Clean Energy Connect

Maine Public Utilities Commission Approves New England Clean Energy Connect

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Augusta, ME — April 11, 2019 — The New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) received a key state approval from the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The Commission voted to grant Central Maine Power’s petition for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for its proposal to build an electric transmission line from the Maine/Quebec border to Lewiston, Maine.

“We are thrilled that the Commission has voted in favor of this project.  This approval marks a major milestone for the NECEC and for the region’s efforts to secure a future of clean, reliable energy,” said Doug Herling, president and CEO of Central Maine Power. “Today’s decision confirms the New England Clean Energy Connect will deliver environmental, economic, energy security, and other benefits for Maine and for consumers throughout New England.”

The NECEC is planned to provide 1,200 megawatts of transmission capacity and deliver clean, renewable electricity to the New England Grid from hydro-power resources in Québec.  The Commission’s decision comes at the end of an in-depth 18-month analysis weighing the impacts and benefits of the project for Maine consumers.

Central Maine Power proposed the NECEC in response to a solicitation by Massachusetts utilities in response to that state’s Global Warming Solutions Act, which set goals to increase supplies of electricity from clean, renewable sources for Massachusetts consumers. The Commission’s decision comes at the end of an in-depth analysis by the Commission staff and consultants to weigh the impacts and benefits of the project for Maine consumers. The Commission’s findings directly rebut arguments from parties representing the electricity generation industry that oppose policymakers’ efforts to address climate change and the region’s heavy dependence on costly fossil fuel energy supplies.

“Addressing the twin challenges of climate change and energy affordability will require a sustained, regional commitment to action,” said Herling. “The need for progress should always be weighed against the impacts and benefits of every project, and the NECEC is no exception. In this case, we believe the Commission gave due consideration to all perspectives, and as this decision shows, the balance strongly favors our project. ”

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About CMP: Central Maine Power Company (CMP), a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc., is Maine’s largest electricity transmission and distribution utility. Established in 1899, CMP operates approximately 23,500 miles of distribution lines and 2,900 miles of transmission lines. It serves approximately 624,000 customers across 346 communities in central and southern Maine. For more information, visit www.cmpco.com.

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with approximately $32 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving 3.2 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates 7.1 gigawatts of electricity capacity, primarily through wind power, with a presence in 22 states across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,500 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2019 by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.

Media Contact:

Central Maine Power: Statement 2-21-2019

February 21, 2019

This agreement reflects the support of the New England Clean Energy Connect has received from key voices, including government officials, non-government organizations and environmental advocates.  Their support will promote investment in Maine’s electrical grid to deliver vitally needed clean, affordable energy to Maine and New England, and it represents a new stage in the region’s clean energy transformation.”

Media Contact:

John H. Carroll
Director, Corporate Communications
AVANGRID
(207) 458-9889

Avangrid’s Torgerson Highlights New England Clean Energy Projects

Avangrid’s Torgerson highlights New England clean energy projects

Projects Expected To Provide 2GW of Renewable Energy and Provide Thousands of Jobs

BOSTON, Mass. — Nov. 2, 2018 — New England is embracing the opportunity to be a national clean energy pioneer, AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) CEO James P. Torgerson told North American energy industry leaders on Friday.

Speaking at the New England-Canada Business Council’s 26th Annual U.S.-Canada Energy Trade & Technology Conference, Torgerson highlighted the Orange, Connecticut-based company’s two major projects designed to inject a combined 2 gigawatts of renewable energy into the New England power grid and create thousands of jobs.

“AVANGRID is investing in a cleaner, smarter energy future — both here in New England and nationally,” said Torgerson. At the conference, Torgerson provided an introduction for the keynote speaker, former U.S. Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest J. Moniz.

Torgerson said Vineyard Wind, a 50/50 joint venture of Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), is poised to build the nation’s first large-scale offshore wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts, pending approvals. He discussed the synergy between Vineyard Wind and another pending AVANGRID project: the New England Clean Energy Connect proposal to transport 1,200 megawatts of hydropower from the Canadian border to the New England power grid.

“These projects present clear synergies,” Torgerson said. “When Vineyard Wind is fully operational in 2022, it will provide 800 megawatts of clean, offshore wind energy for the New England power grid at a competitive cost. The New England Clean Energy Connect proposal to transport 1,200 megawatts of hydropower from Canada to the New England power grid would complement Vineyard Wind delivering a diverse supply of reliable, renewable power for the region.”

Torgerson said the two projects remain on-track, and expressed confidence they will secure necessary approvals in 2019 and reach required commercial operations consistent with Massachusetts contracts. Vineyard Wind is expected to create approximately 3,600 full-time jobs over the life of the project, while New England Clean Energy Connect is projected to support an average of 1,700 jobs annually through 2022.

Viewed together, Torgerson said, these multi-billion-dollar investments show how AVANGRID is helping to meet growing demand for renewable energy while spurring development of the nation’s emerging offshore wind industry. Avangrid Renewables recently secured a lease with the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management allowing the company to develop an offshore wind facility on 122,000 acres off the coast of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Multiple U.S. states have announced RFPs seeking to bring more renewable energy to their power grids.

“We’re seeing thoughtful and pragmatic approaches by at least a half dozen states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic who are trying to build the market, attract the supply chain, work with stakeholders, and train workers — all of which sets the cornerstone for future growth,” Torgerson added.

Torgerson said both AVANGRID and CIP are well-positioned to help kick-start the development of offshore wind in the United States. As part of the global Iberdrola Group, AVANGRID has access to Iberdrola’s expertise and experience in building offshore wind facilities, such as the 350-megawatt Wikinger Offshore Wind Farm in Germany, which began operations last month.

“There are unquestionably tremendous long-term economic opportunities available in the United States for the first movers as the wind industry heads offshore, and the competition to go first or be first will deliver jobs and supply chain benefits for decades, as well as increasingly competitive energy prices for customers,” Torgerson said. “The biggest challenge will be to create the supply chain — AVANGRID and CIP can leverage our European experience and match it with local companies so that the industry can capitalize on existing infrastructure and overseas expertise.”

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CMP Amends Transmission Line Plan to Address Key Permitting Requirement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The company proposes to cross under a scenic river segment in western Maine rather than pursue an overhead crossing

Augusta, Maine – October 18, 2018 – Central Maine Power, a subsidiary of AVANGRID (NYSE: AGR), has notified regulators of its intent to amend a key element of its proposed New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line to avoid an aerial crossing over the Kennebec River to address the concerns of state environmental regulators, the host communities, and other stakeholders. The company will submit a plan to cross under the river using Horizontal Directional Drilling technology to preserve the scenic and recreational value of the segment of the river known as the Kennebec Gorge.


“Maine and the region will benefit immensely from the New England Clean Energy Connect, so we are changing our proposal to address a key concern of state environmental regulators,” said Doug Herling, president and CEO of Central Maine Power. “This has always been under consideration. We believe this change may also encourage stronger support from those who appreciate the project’s benefits, but want to preserve the commercial and aesthetic value of the river as well.”


The New England Clean Energy Connect was selected in response to a Massachusetts initiative to increase the supply of clean energy as required under the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is reviewing 20-year contracts among the state’s largest electric utilities, Central Maine Power, and Hydro-Québec for the delivery of 9.45 terawatt hours of electricity annually from Canadian hydropower facilities.


In Maine, the project will produce nearly $1 billion in economic benefits through construction employment, electricity cost savings, local property taxes, and enhanced economic growth between 2017 and 2027. The 20-year Massachusetts contracts will produce additional economic and environmental benefits in Maine through 2043, and separate agreements between CMP and Hydro-Québec could extend the delivery of clean energy benefits to Maine and the region to 2063 or beyond.

Another Major Milestone Toward Historic Agreement to Bring Clean Energy to Massachusetts

Montreal, Québec and Augusta, Maine – June 14, 2018Hydro-Québec and Central Maine Power Company (“CMP”) a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE:AGR), jointly announced the successful conclusion of contract negotiations with the Massachusetts electric distribution companies (EDCs) for the New England Clean Energy Connect (“NECEC”) 100 percent hydropower project. The Massachusetts EDCs will next file the agreements with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, pursuant to the Massachusetts 83D Clean Energy Request for Proposals.

“We have made important progress with regard to this ground-breaking 20-year agreement, moving us closer towards decarbonization in the Northeast,” said Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydro-Québec. “In the coming months we’ll be working closely with Central Maine Power to complete this important new interconnection project which will not only reduce carbon emissions, but will also bring price stability and supply reliability to the region.”

“The conclusion of these negotiations marks a significant step forward for the NECEC and the people of Maine, who will realize lasting economic benefits from this initiative, including new job creation and targeted investments such as expanded broadband access in Western Maine,” said Douglas Herling, President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Maine Power. “We appreciate the Commonwealth’s bold commitment to bringing additional, clean energy resources into our region, which further enhances the decades-long collaboration among our states and the Province of Québec. We will continue to advance the project in Maine, where it has received strong support from host communities, the Governor, the leadership of the State Senate and House of Representatives as well as the business community.”

The contracts with the Massachusetts EDCs provide for the delivery of approximately 9.45 terawatt hours annually of clean, reliable, baseload power for twenty years. The energy will be supplied by Hydro-Québec’s vast hydropower generating fleet, which means greater reliability and less reliance on fossil fuels during extreme winter weather conditions.

Hydro-Québec and AVANGRID are grateful that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its electric distribution companies are taking this important leap towards a cleaner energy future. We look forward to the next steps in the review and approval process. 

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Forward Looking Statements: This news release contains a number of forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “can,” “expects,” “future,” “would,” “could,” “can,” “expect(s,)” “believe(s),” “anticipate(s),” “intend(s),” “plan(s),” “estimate(s),” “project(s),”“assume(s),” “guide(s),” “target(s),” “forecast(s),” “are (is) confident that” and “seek(s)”“can,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “projects,” “assumes,” “guides,” “targets,” “forecasts,” “is confident that” and “seeks” or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology.  Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives and intentions, outlooks or expectations for earnings, revenues, expenses or other future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations, or the impact of legal or regulatory matters on business, results of operations or financial condition of the business and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the reasonable current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of our management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation: our future financial performance, anticipated liquidity and capital expenditures; actions or inactions of local, state or federal regulatory agencies; success in retaining or recruiting, our officers, key employees or directors; changes in levels or timing of capital expenditures; adverse developments in general market, business, economic, labor, regulatory and political conditions; fluctuations in weather patterns; technological developments; the impact of any cyber-breaches, grid disturbances, acts of war or terrorism or natural disasters; the impact of any change to applicable laws and regulations affecting operations, including those relating to environmental and climate change, taxes, price controls, regulatory approvals and permitting; and other presently unknown or unforeseen factors. Additional risks and uncertainties are set forth under the “Risk Factors” in the AVANGRID, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and the AVANGRID, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2018, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

 

About Hydro-Québec: Hydro-Québec generates, transmits and distributes electricity. It is Canada’s largest electricity producer and is among the world’s largest hydropower producers. Its sole shareholder is the Québec government. It uses almost exclusively renewable generating options, in particular hydropower, and supports the development of other sources of energy, such as wind and biomass, through purchases from independent power producers. Its research institute, IREQ, conducts R&D in energy efficiency, energy storage and other energy-related fields. Hydro-Québec invests $130 million in research every year.

www.hydroquebec.com

About Central Maine Power: Central Maine Power Company (CMP), a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE:AGR), is Maine’s largest electricity transmission and distribution utility. Established in 1899, CMP operates approximately 23,500 miles of distribution lines and 2,900 miles of transmission lines. It serves approximately 624,000 customers across 346 communities in central and southern Maine. For more information, visit www.cmpco.com.

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with $31 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving 3.2 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates 7.1 gigawatts of electricity capacity, primarily through wind power, with a presence in 22 states across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,500 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals, received a Climate Development Project climate score of “A-,” the top score received in the utilities sector, and has been recognized for two consecutive years by Ethical Boardroom as the North American utility with the “best corporate governance practices.” For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.

 

Media Contacts:

Hydro-Québec media relations 514 289-5005

New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) inquiries 207 458-9889