The grid operator wants to upgrade the transmission system between northern Maine, where wind generation is expected to be built, and demand centers in southern New England.

The New England grid operator on Monday published a request for proposals to address the region’s longer-term transmission needs, aimed at upgrading the electric system between anticipated wind generation in northern Maine and demand centers to the south.

ISO New England said it published the RFP at the direction of the New England States Committee on Electricity. Proposals are due in September, though the schedule is subject to change, the ISO said. After evaluation by the ISO, a preferred solution may be selected by NESCOE as early as September 2026.

Proposals must aim to increase the amount of power that can flow across the Maine–New Hampshire and Surowiec–South transmission interfaces, and develop new infrastructure around Pittsfield, Maine, that could accommodate the interconnection of 1,200 MW of land-based wind generation, the ISO said.

“A strong preference will be given to proposals with an in-service date on or before December 31, 2035, or as close as possible,” according to the RFP.

Massachusetts officials celebrated the announcement, noting that the first competitive RFP for longer-term transmission investments has been “a long-time goal of the New England states.”

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