Clean energy groups encourage public financing for electric transmission

MAINE PUBLIC • May 24, 2026

A new analysis from two pro-clean energy groups suggests that publicly financing high-voltage power lines in New England could save electric customers more than $9 billion over the next few decades. Jamie Dickerson, senior director of climate and clean energy programs at the Acadia Center, said New England's transmission system is old and needs significant investment, with nearly $12 billion already in the development pipeline. ISO-New England estimates up to $26 billion in transmission investment will be needed over the next 25 years. Funding those expected projects with private debt and equity adds significant cost to electric customers. Shifting financing to government bonds, public-private partnerships and other methods could realize big savings compared to profit-driven financing.