BOSTON (WWLP) - The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced New England has issued its first-ever Request For Procurement for long-term transmission investments--and it's expected to significantly lower energy costs for consumers. This project calls for all New England states to work together an d foot the bill, and bidders will pitch their ideas for the best possible long-term transmission solution that benefits the region and consumers alike. Governor Healey spoke about the importance of this project. "This nation-leading transmission procurement will unlock affordable electricity for Massachusetts residents and businesses at a critical time," said Healey. Massachusetts is particularly interested in connecting northern and southern New England to take advantage of Maine's affordable energy resources. For the better part of a decade, the construction of a transmission line between Quebec and Massachusetts, through Maine, has been a source of controversy, as many Mainers expressed serious concern about its impact on Maine wildlife. The Bay State's energy secretary spoke to Maine's culpability in delaying affordable energy. "Affordable electricity has been stuck behind inadequate transmission in Maine when it could flow freely to power communities across our region. Transmission is the key to lowering costs," said Secretary Rebecca Tepper. Now, the competitive bidding process could allow for a solution to energy transmission in Maine that works for everyone. Bids will be accepted until September 2025, and a bid will be selected around September 2026, with an overall project completion estimation by 2035. Local News Headlines Local Head Start CEO elected to New England board Driver injured in rollover crash in Conway New England makes strides towards affordable sustainable energy Belchertown raises flag to honor child abuse prevention WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less