Hydro Québec now supplying electricity to part of the New York metropolitan area

Montréal — Today, Hydro‑Québec is making its first electricity deliveries under the agreement signed with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in November 2021.

The transmission line, built through a partnership between Hydro‑Québec and its U.S. partner Transmission Developers Inc. (TDI), stretches more than 600 kilometres between Hertel substation in La Prairie and Astoria substation in Queens. It is the longest HVDC underground and underwater power cable in North America. With a transmission capacity of 1,250 megawatts, the line represents a major infrastructure asset for energy exchanges between the two power systems.

Projected revenue from electricity sales to New York State is estimated at US$34 billion over the life of the contract. The agreement also provides significant flexibility, allowing volumes to be adjusted in line with system operating conditions, particularly during periods of high demand. Québec’s electricity needs remain the priority.

Over the longer term, the line will be able to operate in both directions, making it possible to import electricity into Québec or support the integration of additional renewable energy sources across the region.

For New York, this supply of renewable electricity will help replace a significant share of generation from thermal power plants. It is expected to avoid approximately 4 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually—the equivalent of taking more than 500,000 vehicles off the road.

A landmark partnership with the Mohawk community of Kahnawà:ke

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke will become a co-owner of the Québec portion of the transmission line. This agreement will enable the community to benefit from long-term economic returns over a 40‑year period, based on revenues tied to the use of the infrastructure.

This collaborative, benefit-sharing approach is part of Hydro‑Québec’s economic reconciliation efforts and has helped establish a foundation for future partnerships with Indigenous communities.