On March 30, 2010, Champlain Hudson Power Express, Inc. (“Champlain”) filed an Application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (the “Application”) at the New York State Public Service Commission (“NYPSC”).  Champlain filed the Application for its Champlain Hudson Power Express Project (the “Project”).  The Project represents the latest attempt by developers to move large quantities of Canadian hydropower into lucrative East Coast markets.  

The Project consists of a 2,000 megawatt (“MW”) underwater and underground electric transmission system with two 1,000 MW High Voltage Direct Current (“HVDC”) circuits.  These circuits would travel from the Canadian border to two different points.  One circuit would travel to Yonkers, New York, connect with a converter station owned by Champlain, and eventually connect to a substation in Manhattan by way of a 345 kV Alternating Current cable system.  The other circuit would follow a similar path initially, but instead of exiting the Hudson River, it would travel into the Long Island Sound and eventually connect to a converter station in Bridgeport, Connecticut.  The lines would be sited either underwater or underground. 

Champlain’s Application requested appointment of a hearing officer “as soon as practicable” before July 1, 2010.  Champlain stated that they are attempting to qualify for a $2,300,000,000 loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”).  In order to qualify for a DOE loan guarantee, Champlain must fulfill the DOE’s “commencement of construction” requirement by September 30, 2011. 

Since the Application was filed, several parties have filed motions to intervene and requests for active party status in the above-referenced matter.  In addition to the NYPSC, the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or the “Commission”) will also have to approve the Project.  

A full copy of Champlain’s application can be found here