New York’s Major New Power Line Can’t Close Gap With Demand

The Champlain Hudson Power Express is now delivering hydroelectric energy from Quebec to Queens. New York State’s long-term contract with Hydro-Quebec began June 1, providing a major supply of carbon-free power as the state works to meet high targets for renewable capacity and emissions cuts.

But rising electricity demand and the hurdles facing offshore wind means the gap that the transmission line helps fill is only getting bigger.

“The question is, is it big enough to make a huge dent?” said Rob Gramlich, founder and president at consulting firm Grid Strategies. “And I think as the needs keep growing, no single line like ...