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.” 

“This RFP will address long-standing constraints on the New England power system and integrate new, affordable, onshore wind resources in the coming years,” according to a statement from Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, D.

Previously, New England lacked a mechanism to enable the ISO to procure transmission at the states’ request. The RFP process was developed in collaboration between the ISO and regional stakeholders, allowing the states to request that the grid operator pursue transmission investment “that is grounded in the evaluation of broad regional benefits and consumer interests,” according to the Massachusetts statement.

“This milestone represents what can happen when we work together — innovative and cost-effective solutions to our region’s most pressing energy challenges,” Healey said. “We are grateful to our partner states and ISO New England for taking this important step forward toward regional energy independence.”