NH Economist Dr. Lisa Shapiro Discusses Economic Benefits of the Northern Pass Project

CONCORD, NH — Dr. Lisa Shapiro, chief economist with Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, recently participated in a video panel interview discussing the economic benefits of the Northern Pass project. The project is a new transmission line that will bring 1,200 megawatts of renewable hydroelectric power into New England, create hundreds of quality, local jobs in New Hampshire, and provide significant tax benefits for the State and more than 30 New Hampshire communities.

The project is expected to pump about $1 billion into the New Hampshire economy and is scheduled to begin in 2013. During the primary construction period 2013 to 2015, the project is estimated to create an average of 1,200 jobs per year building the transmission line and a new converter station in the City of Franklin. The new line is also expected to increase purchases from local businesses, expand the tax base, and increase the supply of renewable power to New Hampshire and the region. The Northern Pass project is a partnership between Northern Pass Transmission LLC, a New Hampshire company established by PSNH’s parent company, Northeast Utilities, and NSTAR, and HQ Hydro Renewable Energy (a subsidiary of Hydro-Québec).

For more than 15 years, Dr. Shapiro has been involved in energy, tax, housing and economic development projects. She analyzes economic and industry trends and works with businesses on strategic and economic issues. She frequently provides testimony to the New Hampshire Legislature and works on matters before New Hampshire regulatory agencies. Dr. Shapiro holds a Ph.D. in economics from The Johns Hopkins University and a M.S. in resource economics from the University of Maryland.

Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell is a leading business and litigation law firm located in Concord, New Hampshire.