New York Imports Record 52 GWh of Canadian Electricity

Heat Wave Pushes New York to Record 52 GWh of Canadian Power Imports

New York imported a record 52  GWh of electricity from Canada on July 3, 2026. It marks the highest level of cross-border electricity trade between the two regions since January 2025. The increase was driven by the recent commissioning of the 1,250 MW Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) transmission line, which entered commercial operation in May 2026 and provides a direct connection between Hydro-Québec’s hydropower system and New York City.

The record imports came as an intense early July heat wave pushed electricity demand sharply higher across New York. According to the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), system demand reached a summer peak of 31,097 MW on July 2. On July 3, electricity imported from Canada supplied roughly 9% of New York’s total electricity demand, helping the grid meet soaring air-conditioning loads while supporting reliable system operations during one of the hottest periods of the year.

The newly completed CHPE transmission line operated at its full 1,250 MW capacity on July 3. Throughout the day, New York received an average of approximately 1,400 MW from Québec and 800 MW from Ontario, highlighting the important role of cross-border transmission in strengthening regional electricity reliability. The project stretches about 339 miles (546 km) from the Canadian border to a converter station in Astoria, Queens, delivering predominantly hydroelectric power into the New York City grid.

According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the CHPE project is expected to supply up to 20% of New York City’s electricity demand. However, despite its strong performance during the July heat wave, the transmission line experienced operational challenges soon afterward. Following an earlier outage in June, the line was taken offline again in early July due to a cable issue on the U.S. section of the project, with repairs extending through much of the month.

Canadian electricity exports to New York had declined in recent years as drought conditions reduced hydroelectric generation across parts of Canada. With new high-voltage transmission infrastructure such as CHPE now in service, cross-border electricity trade is expected to expand as hydroelectric production recovers. The record July imports demonstrate how modern transmission projects can improve grid reliability, enhance energy security, and increase access to low-carbon electricity during periods of exceptionally high demand.

Sources:
U.S. Energy Information Administration – 2026
New York Independent System Operator (NYISO)
Hourly Electric Grid Monitor