Champlain Hudson Power Express Operates Below Capacity, Raising Concerns for NYC Energy Goals
The $6 billion Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE), a 339-mile subterranean transmission line designed to deliver hydropower from Quebec to New York City, has been operating significantly below its full capacity since its launch in June. Energy analysts, including Robert McCullough of McCullough Research, found that in August, the line operated at an average of 24% capacity. This performance contradicts initial expectations, as New York Governor Kathy Hochul had previously hailed the project as a 'game changer' capable of meeting 20% of New York City's energy needs and substantially cutting carbon emissions. The contract between the state and Hydro-Québec, the Canadian power supplier, does not mandate continuous power delivery, allowing Hydro-Québec to prioritize deliveries during periods of higher demand, such as heat waves. However, analysis by Ken Girardin of the Manhattan Institute indicates that power flow has not consistently aligned with peak demand, raising questions about the project's reliabili... 
