Canada Sends Record Power to New York as Heat Wave Drives Demand

On July 3, 2026, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) imported 52 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity from Canada, the highest level of imports between the two regions since January 2025. The surge came as a major heat wave pushed electricity demand higher across New York, with Canadian hydropower helping stabilize the grid during peak conditions.

The imported electricity supplied about 9% of NYISO’s demand, with power coming from hydroelectric resources in Québec and Ontario. A significant portion flowed through the new Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) transmission line, which connects Québec’s hydroelectric network to New York City. The line reached commercial operation in May 2026 and operated at its full 1,250-megawatt capacity during the July heat wave.

According to the EIA, the CHPE project is expected to provide up to 20% of New York City’s electricity needs, strengthening the region’s access to Canadian hydropower. Although the transmission line experienced outages shortly after launch and required repairs, it demonstrated its importance during periods of extreme demand. The EIA noted that while drought conditions have reduced Canadian hydroelectric exports in recent years, new high-voltage connections between Québec and US grids could increase electricity imports as hydroelectric generation recovers.