With the merger of GMP and CVPS, sale of CVPS to Gaz Metro of Quebec & likely approval by VT PSB, this event reflects changes taking place in the electric power markets in Quebec, northern regions of & including the rest of New England & VT. Some of us may be wondering, what it means for VT & each one of us in particular.

It has been known, at least for over a year year a half, that HQ has an interest in markets south of VT, southern NE, NY & NJ. There is a proposal for a transmission line running through Champlain Valley:

http://www.saratogian.com/arti…

Northern Pass is its NH counterpart:

http://www.wmur.com/northern-p…

Howard Dean recognizes this bigger picture, what it means for VT, has weighed in & supports the merger of GMP/CVPS as well as the sale to Gaz:

– emphasis

“Dean says a subtext of the deal will be the build out of a new transmission corridor from Canada to the urban areas points south of Vermont.

The corridor is “the real game of Hydro-Quebec,” he said. Hydro-Quebec owns a massive dam system in northern Quebec that will be providing about 30 percent of Vermont’s power over the next several decades.

“We’re a nice market,” Dean said.”But the south is a great market.

I don’t have any doubt we’re going to end up with a (new) transmission corridor.”

http://vtdigger.org/2011/06/28…

Many opponents are those who stand to lose, of course the power plants who would be outbid & forced to lower their cost or fold:

http://www.hartfordbusiness.co…

Some say that Canada is trying to gain control of our transmission lines. There could be truth to this, however it’s up to the states in the region to assure that this does not happen & use this opportunity to benefit the region.

http://www.vpr.net/news_detail…

As the region’s governors met in Nova Scotia last week, they are now collaborating to bring power from Quebec to markets south:

http://www.vpr.net/news_detail…

In VT, VELCO is where the action is:

http://www.vpr.net/news_detail…

Fortunately, the residents of VT have some lawmakers who display a keen interest in ascertaining what is the greatest benefit to Vermonters, negotiating what is in the best interest for all concerned & seeing that it works to benefit our state, the residents as well as the business community to keep VT’s economy strong:

CVPS-GMP merger Lawmakers seek leverage in deal

By Thatcher Moats

MONTPELIER – A day after Vermont’s two largest electric companies announced a deal to merge, some lawmakers said they view the buyout as a chance for the state to take more control over Vermont’s electricity transmission system, a move they argue would protect ratepayers.

http://www.vermonttoday.com/ap…

The sale of CVPS & merger w/GMP including related issues are part of a larger picture which includes the lucrative power projects plus agreements between Quebec & southern markets and the role VT has in this regional power play.

*crossposted