Governor Phil Scott and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston Sign Agreement to Explore Bringing Offshore Wind Power to New England Through Vermont

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Official release

Source material from Vermont Governor’s Office. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Vermont and Nova Scotia which will further strengthen ties by working together on clean energy development and regional energy security. The three-year agreement establishes a framework for collaboration on offshore wind energy, electricity transmission planning, and regional grid integration. It will support information sharing and explore opportunities to deliver Nova Scotia's offshore wind resources to New England.

“As a small state, we can’t generate affordable, clean and reliable energy alone, which is why regional partnerships are critical to reaching our goals,” said Governor Phil Scott. “This agreement lets us explore how to put those strengths together in a way that keeps costs down for ratepayers, strengthens reliability in Vermont, across New England, and builds on the long friendship between our jurisdictions. I want to thank Premier Houston and his team for their partnership.”

Nova Scotia has emerged as a leader in offshore wind development and regional transmission cooperation, while Vermont is recognized for long-term transmission planning and least-cost clean energy development. The MOU advances both jurisdictions' shared goals of energy independence, job creation and environmental protection.

"Nova Scotia has one of the best offshore wind resources in the world, and partnerships like this help us turn that advantage into economic opportunity," said Premier Tim Houston. "This agreement with Vermont is another important step as we build connections with energy partners, advance Wind West, and position Nova Scotia to become a clean energy superpower. By working together, we can create good jobs, attract investment, strengthen energy security, and help meet growing energy needs with clean, reliable power."

For Vermont, the agreement opens a path to new sources of clean, competitively priced power that could help hold down electricity costs and strengthen reliability as demand grows. Coupled with a modernized Highgate Converter, securing such energy deliveries would reinforce Vermont’s role as a key link between the Canadian and New England grids. The Highgate Converter, located in Franklin County, is a high-voltage direct current station that links the New England and Canadian grids and moves power in both directions. For Nova Scotia, the MOU supports efforts to grow its offshore wind sector and expand its electricity connections with other jurisdictions. Additionally, access to New England markets could support investment and jobs in the province.

The full text of the MOU is available by clicking here.

Release text attributed to Vermont Governor’s Office. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.