To the editor:

In his letter (“The ethical dilemma behind New York City’s green energy plan,” Oct. 31) about the fully-buried clean energy transmission project Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE), Mr. Geiger mischaracterizes the extensive engagement that the project has had with Indigenous communities, and is wrong about many important project details.

The CHPE project is currently under construction and, as Mr. Geiger correctly pointed out, once complete it will supply 20% of New York City’s electrical demand with clean renewable energy thanks largely to its extensive community engagement throughout the development process. But CHPE has not just recognized Indigenous communities, as Mr. Geiger suggested, but has formed a true partnership with the Mohawks of Kahnawa:ke, who are co-owners of the Hertel-New York interconnection line with CHPE. This co-ownership ensures that their community will receive economic benefits from the project for the next 40 years.

Moreover, Hydro-Quebec has an experienced team dedicated to Indigenous relations, and through the process of engaging with representatives from Indigenous communities across Quebec has arrived at over 50 agreements thanks to dialogue and collaboration, including more than 15 with several Innu communities. Hydro-Quebec’s Declaration of Commitment to the First Nations and the Inuit Nation affirms its ambition to “foster, value and embrace Indigenous promise in every aspect of Hydro-Quebec’s activities.”

It is also important to point out that the letter incorrectly states that Churchill Falls Generating Station is one of Quebec’s largest hydro dams. It is in fact located in Newfoundland and the energy generated at Churchill Falls will not be delivered to New York City.

We’re proud of this project and especially its groundbreaking partnerships with indigenous communities who will share in its success, and help reliable clean energy with stable prices that will help transition the state’s energy grid away from fossil fuels, improve air quality, boost economic output, create jobs and help fight climate change.

Serge Abergel

Hydro-Quebec COO

Lake Placid