Maine power line interruptions spark legal battle between Hydro Quebec, Mass. utilities

MAINE PUBLIC • September 14, 2026

Hydro-Quebec and a trio of Massachusetts utilities filed dueling lawsuits in federal court last week, alleging contract violations stemming from service interruptions this winter on a high-voltage power line through western Maine. Eversource, National Grid and Unitil allege that Hydro-Quebec stopped delivering electricity over the New England Clean Energy Connect line just a few days after it went into operation this January. The delivery shortfall coincided with an extended period of extreme cold, and the utilities were forced to rely on more expensive and higher-emitting power sources. The utilities allege they are owed $40 million in damages.