MCK and Hydro-Québec Sign Hertel Transmission Line Agreements

KAHNAWÀ:KE – The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke and Hydro-Québec signed the project agreements to formalize the historic joint ownership of the Hertel-New York Interconnection Transmission Line (“Hertel Line”) on April 18, 2024, at a ceremony held on the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawà:ke.

The agreements, signed by Ohén:ton Í:iente ne Ratitsénhaienhs Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, Hydro-Québec Chief Executive Officer Michael Sabia, and Québec Minister responsible for Relations with the First Nations and the Inuit, Ian Lafrenière, officially designate the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke and Hydro-Québec as co-owners of the Hertel Line, once in-service, via the Horizon Kahnawà:ke Hydro-Québec Limited Partnership.

Upon commissioning in 2026, the Hertel Line will be a 58 km, 400 kV underground transmission line that will run from the Hertel substation in La Prairie to the Richelieu River, where it will cross into New York State. The Hertel Line will carry 1,250 MW of renewable electricity to New York City, enough to power 1 million homes.

“Kanien’kehá:ka ironworkers helped build the New York City skyline, and now Kahnawà:ke will contribute to the city in a different way by transporting renewable energy to light up the very skyline Mohawks helped build,” said Ohén:ton Í:iente ne Ratitsénhaienhs Kahsennenhawe Sky- Deer. “This agreement is especially remarkable because it will be the first time that Hydro-Québec shares ownership of its transmission infrastructure with a third party and a First Nation community.”

“When I look to the future, one thing is clear: the immense challenge of the energy transition will require creativity and open minds. The agreement we celebrate today with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is a true testament to that spirit of innovation," said Michael Sabia, President and CEO of Hydro-Québec. “I hope this agreement will serve as an example of how we can work differently with other Indigenous partners across Québec. A new way of working, which is at the heart of the idea of economic reconciliation."

“The agreement signed today gives me hope that more partnerships like this one will materialize in the future so that more communities can be included in major projects,” said Ian Lafrenière, Minister responsible for Relations with the First Nations and the Inuit.

As part of the project agreements, Hydro-Québec is pledging a $10M donation to the new Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center to become the leading donor on the project. The donation demonstrates the close ties forged between Kahnawà:ke and Hydro-Québec in recent years.