Northern Pass Debate Rages On

The Society for the Protection of NH Forests claims it has put the final nails in the coffin of the Northern Pass project with its latest move to obstruct development of the project's route. But Northeast Utilities says that is not the case. The Forest Society has not had an effect on our efforts to identify and propose a new route, says Northeast Utilities spokesman Mike Skelton

So goes the battle for the $1.2 billion transmission line that continues to divide lawmakers, business owners, and residents across the state. As proposed, the direct-current line would bring 1,200 megawatts of Hydro-Quebec power through 180 miles of the state, including 40 miles of new right-of-way in the North Country.

After the initial proposed route for the northern section of the line drew strong opposition in 2011, Northeast Utilities said it would develop an alternative. The announcement of that new route is overdue, but Skelton says it is coming.

Our new proposal addresses the feedback we have received from landowners, communities and public officials, and we are looking forward to sharing the details soon, Skelton says.

Opponents are skeptical. The Forest Society in February reported it had closed on conservation easements on three additional parcels that it claims would block the obvious intended route. Forest Society Director of Communications Jack Savage estimates his organization has protected about 8,000 acres of land along the proposed route. Skelton would not talk about land purchases by Northeast Utilities, but the utility has reportedly purchased more than 40 parcels at a cost of more than $20 million.

Business groups are split over the Northern Pass project. The Greater Nashua and Greater Manchester Chambers of Commerce have both publicly supported the project, saying it will bring lower-cost energy to the state. Building trade unions point to the construction jobs the project promises as a positive.

But the Littleton Chamber of Commerce came out against the project. The chamber states the project, as proposed, will negatively affect the region's tourism with no guaranteed benefits such as lower electricity costs.

The town of Franklin, though, which will be the site of a new converter station, expects to reap $4.2 million annually in property taxes. The town has hired a consultant to lobby in favor of the project with the state Legislature, which faces 10 different bills spurred by opposition to Northern Pass.

Executive Councilor Raymond Burton strongly opposes the project, and Gov. Maggie Hassan says she does not support the original proposal. Berlin Mayor Paul Grenier has come out in favor of the project, but says Northeast Utilities should agree to bury sections of the line.

State Senator Jeff Woodburn (D-Dalton) says while he thinks the Northern Pass has unified and empowered the North Country, he fears it is diverting attention from other problems. The issue so dominates the landscape that other very important issues get lost. It is like a spring storm. It's all we talk about, he says.