Seabrook Gets Sued: Avangrid Sues NextEra
Just before the Thanksgiving holiday, news broke that Seabrook’s owner NextEra is being sued by power grid competitor – and Gulf of Maine offshore wind lease holder – Avangrid. Seems they got fed up with NextEra for its monopoly of access to our region’s power grid and active opposition to changes, particularly its sabotage of Avangrid’s effort to build a new power line in Maine and unwillingness to upgrade its circuit breaker at Seabrook. Avangrid is suing for $350 million in damages due to NexEra-instigated delays in their power line project.
The breaker upgrade was necessary for transmitting additions to the regional grid – such as Avangrid’s “NE Clean Energy Connect” power line from Canada through Maine and New Hampshire – as well as maintaining power to the plant in the event power grid disruptions. NextEra only consented to the upgrade after a 2-year delay, and after Avangrid offered to pay for it. See an extensive story on Seacoastonline, as well as coverage from InDepthNH and by other New Hampshire media for further details.
NextEra’s recent behavior certainly doesn’t provide encouragement for getting an offshore wind power line connection at Seabrook, or perhaps anywhere north of Boston. And considering that practically none of Seabrook’s power directly benefits New Hampshire ratepayers, their attitude is all the more galling.
We can only hope that a successful lawsuit and financial penalty might change their tune and help lead to a safer, sustainable and more accessible power grid.