Kahnawake and Hydro-Québec joint partnership to proceed as New York selects Hydro-Québec consortium

09/20/2021

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (“MCK”) is pleased to report that Hydro-Québec’s consortium has been selected to transmit renewable energy from Quebec to New York City via the Champlain Hudson Power Express project.

On June 14 of this year, the MCK and Hydro-Québec announced that, in the event that Hydro-Québec was successful in its bid on the above energy supply contract, they would form a strategic partnership to jointly own a transmission line on the Canadian side of the border. The Memorandum of Understanding signed was historic for both Kahnawà:ke and Hydro-Québec: the first shared ownership agreement for an export transmission line. The partnership played an important role in the selection of Hydro-Québec, as New York wanted to ensure its selection would not impede Indigenous rights.

As per the partnership, the MCK will become joint owners of a 400-kV underground transmission line that will run from the Hertel (“Hertel Line”) substation in La Prairie to the US border – where it will connect with the Champlain Hudson Power Express, a line which will be built between the Canadian border and Astoria, Queens, New York. This will secure economic benefits for the community over a 40-year period.

“Today’s major announcement is a first but important step in the approval process for the project,” said Ohén:ton Í:iente ne Ratitsénhaienhs (Grand Chief) Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. “This is an historic accomplishment for Kahnawà:ke and a huge step forward regarding the relationship with Hydro-Québec. It is proof that when Kahnawà:ke’s rights and interests are considered in a meaningful way, it provides an opportunity for a valuable and innovative alliance.

As the line will be constructed on Seigneury of Sault St. Louis lands, it was important for Kahnawà:ke to not only derive a benefit from but to also regulate, the use of its traditional lands. This project demonstrates that we can work together on projects in a way that is mutually beneficial for both industry and Indigenous communities.”

As the Hertel Line will be carrying a renewable source of energy which will help decarbonize New York City – a city which Kahnawa’kehró:non has strong historical and emotional ties  – this project meets MCK’s objectives of investing in environmentally sustainable projects.

As is standard for an international project of this scope, a number of regulatory hurdles are expected, with the MCK lending its support as needed. Once these are completed, work will begin in earnest, with clean, renewable power deliveries expected to begin in 2025.