Vermont Governor James Douglas, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams, New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham and Maine Governor John Baldacci, left to right, head from a meeting of New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers in Saint John, N.B. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan
MONTREAL - Maine's governor is worried about the proposed mega sale of NB Power to Hydro-Quebec and is eager to voice his concerns to Quebec Premier Jean Charest.
Gov. John Baldacci's officials are evaluating what the deal could mean for Maine, which currently imports some of its power from New Brunswick.
The prospect of Hydro-Quebec becoming a regional powerhouse following last month's $4.75-billion deal is weighing heavily among politicians and business leaders in New England.
The tentative agreement says that Hydro-Quebec would take over the majority of NB Power's assets - including transmission lines to Maine.
The new proposal would give Hydro-Quebec a foothold in the northeastern United States and put it in an ideal position to cut off other Maritime competitors.
There has also been concerns raised by the office of Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams.
He warned last week that the takeover would give Quebec a "stranglehold" on energy exports to the northeastern United States.
