NH Supreme Court Rules Against Eversource

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has affirmed the Site Evaluation Committee’s decision on Northern Pass. In its order, citing prior case law the court wrote that “The legislature has delegated broad authority to the Committee to consider the ‘potential significant impacts and benefits of a project,’ and to make findings on various objectives before ultimately determining whether to grant an application.”

The statement continues, “we have reviewed the record and conclude that the Subcommittee’s findings are supported by competent evidence and are not erroneous as a matter of law. Accordingly, we hold that the petitioners have not sustained their burden on appeal to show that the Subcommittee’s order was unreasonable or unlawful.”

Eversource issued the following statement, “We are deeply disappointed that the New Hampshire Supreme Court reached this decision, but we are grateful for their consideration and deliberation in this case. Northern Pass was the most advanced project to bring abundant low-cost, clean energy into the region, and this outcome is an unfortunate setback to our efforts to advance an affordable clean energy future for our customers.

We will closely review the Supreme Court’s decision and evaluate all potential options for moving forward. It’s clear that the need for new energy sources in New England is greater than ever, and we remain focused on innovative solutions that will lower costs for our customers, improve reliability and advance clean energy.

As we engage with local communities, residents, businesses and other stakeholders across the state, we will do so with a focus on our shared interests – a cleaner, more affordable energy future that supports economic development while also protecting the natural, cultural and historic resources that make our state special.”