ISO New England

The independent system operator responsible for grid reliability and wholesale electricity markets across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. - Managing grid transition with 18,000 MW of battery storage in interconnection queue

Maine had zero utility-scale battery storage until six weeks ago. Plus Power's 175-megawatt Cross Town facility in Gorham began operations on February 11, 2026, capable of powering 19,000 homes for two hours and storing surplus wind power from northern Maine for dispatch to Boston during peak demand. This marked the largest system on the New England grid at the time.

Updated 4 days ago

The independent operator of New England's electric grid, responsible for integrating NECEC power into the regional transmission system. - Grid operator receiving NECEC power

New England has paid some of the highest electricity prices in the country for decades, hostage to constrained natural gas pipelines that spike costs every winter. On January 16, 2026, a $1.6 billion transmission line began delivering 1,200 megawatts of Canadian hydropower to the region—enough to meet 20% of Massachusetts' electricity needs and save ratepayers an estimated $50 million annually.

Updated Feb 1

Independent grid operator for the six New England states. - Grid operator integrating NECEC power

For 40 years, Hydro-Québec wanted to sell more power to New England. For 40 years, transmission bottlenecks and local opposition stopped them. On January 16, 2026, a 145-mile power line through Maine's western woods began delivering 1,200 megawatts of Canadian hydroelectricity to Massachusetts—enough to supply 20% of the state's needs and the largest clean energy transmission addition to New England's grid in decades. Ten days later, during a winter storm, the line went dark.

Updated Jan 30