VPR's John Dillon talks with Jane Lindholm about the debate over a proposed electric transmission line in northern New Hampshire.

Hydro-Quebec continues to build new dams in the north so it can feed the U.S. market for renewable energy. But it may be a risky strategy.

For centuries, the native Cree people of northern Quebec subsisted largely on hunting, fishing and trapping. But the coming of huge hydroelectric projects in James Bay 40 years ago changed that way of life.

Large hydroelectric dams are seen as one of the most environmentally friendly energy sources, but damming rivers and redirecting their flow isn't benign. Fish habitat is harmed. Mercury is released into the environment. And the projects themselves can even release greenhouse gases.

Just two decades ago, a power purchase from Hydro-Quebec would raise significant opposition over social and environmental issues. But today - with climate change in the picture - the deal has faced almost no opposition.

A power contract between Hydro-Quebec and Vermont utilities was signed on Thursday, securing a quarter of the state's electric supply for the next 26 years.

A Canadian power deal that will shape Vermont's energy future for the next 25 years has been delayed in part because of Hydro-Quebec's concern about releasing price details to the public.

The publicly-owned utility in Vermont's largest city is one step closer to buying electricity from Hydro-Quebec.

Many of Vermont's villages and towns were built around water power, and many of the small dams that produced that power still exist. But few of the old dams have been revived. Critics have blamed the state Agency of Natural Resources for the holdup. Officials say that's beginning to change.

Results are in from the re-appraisal of the eight Vermont hydroelectric dams owned by Canadian energy company TransCanada. Officials say the new suggested values could mean higher tax revenues for towns that host TransCanada property. They could also mean more tax disputes.

Hydro-Quebec is completing construction of a five billion dollar river diversion project. The work is part of the provincial utility's effort to position itself as supplier of clean, renewable energy to the U.S. market. But native Cree in the region question the "green label.

VPR's Bob Kinzel talks with reporter John Dillon about hydro-electric projects that have been built by Hydro-Quebec and the construction of new dams.