As a solar community organizer, I spend a lot of time talking to people about renewable energy. The question I get most frequently is, “Why is there so much wind and solar energy in Vermont?” Folks from out of state, or those who spend time in other places, are surprised by the number of wind projects on our mountains and solar installations on our homes and businesses.
The New England Clean Power Link is a 1,000-megawatt electric transmission line slated to carry electricity produced from hydroelectric dams in Canada and wind turbines in New York to southern New England utilities via Lake Champlain, passing by Charlotte’s shores on the way. This project is backed by Gov. Phil Scott. It’s been reported that it could bring the state about $7.5 million annually for the next 40 years, partly through new jobs and tax revenue. The 154-mile underwater and underground transmission line is a $1.2 billion project.