Interconnection in the New England district

COMPREHENSIVE interconnection of power generating sources has developed in New England largely because of the high load density and the economical combination of hydroelectric and steam-electric sources which have existed in this territory. The first ties were made somewhat prior to 1917 and were used to obtain steam relay power for hydroelectric developments, and to provide a market for surplus energy generated by water power. More recent ties have been made to permit also the absorption of large quantities of surplus steam-electric power from high grade steam plants and to pool resources by the sale of firm capacity in order that economical construction schedules might be obtained.