Hydro-Québec: Canada's Power Export King
The Globe and Mail reported that the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today approved a funding arrangement for the construction of a major transmission line that will cross into the United States from Quebec to become part of the U.S. energy grid. FERC has even agreed to exclude the cost of the 1,200 MW transmission line from the rates charged to consumers.
Essentially, this means that FERC has, for the first time, recognized Hydro-Québec's hydroelectricity as a "clean" source of energy, meaning Quebec can now participate in the Obama clean energy policy and help New England move away from gas-fired power.
This new development certainly helps British Columbia's prospects in exporting electricity to the California market. Now, all BC has to do is woo the Californians.
