Governor Shumlin and Vermont's two largest utilities are cheering the Public Service Board's approval of a 26-year electricity contract with Hydro Quebec.

Vermont utilities say that when a new contract begins with Hydro-Quebec next year, they'll be paying less for power than they are under the existing contract.

Opposition is growing to a New Hampshire power line that would carry electricity from Quebec to southern New England. Opponents have suggested an alternative: They say Hydro-Quebec should use an existing transmission corridor in Vermont.

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.

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.

As Vermonters raise concerns about designating power from the huge Hydro-Quebec project as 'renewable', we travel to Montreal to speak with a representative of Hydro-Quebec and a Canadian environmentalist about the impact of large-scale hydropower.  We also hear from VPR's John Dillon who visited Hydro-Quebec's Rupert River project.

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.

Legislation that would designate Hydro Quebec as a source of renewable energy could soon be on its way to the governor's desk. The bill generated debate, but it was overwhelmingly approved by the House and Senate.

VPR's Bob Kinzel hosts a Vermont Edition discussion on whether the Legislature should allow large-scale hydroelectric generation like Hydro-Quebec to fit the state definition of renewable energy. The decision could impact eletric bills and the development of new small-scale hydro projects.

Lawmakers are in the midst of a debate over whether power produced by Hydro-Quebec should be considered "renewable." We'll hear from both sides of the debate. Also, an update from the Statehouse as the Legislature works toward adjournment.

The publicly owned utility in Vermont's largest city may reverse its longstanding ban on buying electricity from Hydro-Quebec. The decision may hinge on the definition of "renewable energy."

A coalition of conservation groups has launched studies to examine the environmental consequences of Hydro-Quebec's large energy projects.

To help Hydro-Quebec export more power, utilities want the Legislature to designate large scale hydro power as a "renewable" resource. Some environmentalists are concerned that the change would hurt the emerging renewable market in New England.

The recently announced power deal with Hydro-Quebec will include prices that are comparable to the current contract.