It is a stated objective of the Government of Quebec and Hydro-Quebec (HQ) to increase electricity exports to the United States. Because of transmission line constraints, new transmission lines and corridors must be built. This is difficult to do in the crowded Northeastern US, particularly when the electricity is not for a state bordering Quebec, meaning that the transmission lines must first transit through another state before reaching its prospective buyer. This was amply demonstrated by the now abandoned Northern Pass project from Quebec to Massachusetts through New Hampshire.

In addition, the export of electricity to the US is not without detractors: competitors, including renewable electricity producers, business, labour and environmental groups, and politicians, particularly in the current age of economic nationalism. Opponents will amplify and use any project flaw in the hopes of derailing a project. In the world of electricity exports, what happens in Quebec does not stay in Quebec. In particular, security issues and disputes with First Nations can and do resonate in the US. The cancellation of the Great Whale project is a relevant precedent.

On August 5, 2020, the Innu First Nation of Pessamit and the Atikamekw First Nation of Wemotaci issued a press release, asking among other things for compensation for the hydroelectricity produced on their territory.

HQ responded, by way of a spokesperson, saying it was surprised and that the public statement was unhelpful to the export of electricity to New England and New York State.

If Quebec wants to increase exports to the US, it is essential that it first put its house in order. The 2002 Paix des Braves could be a useful precedent to this end, as it seems to have been beneficial for all concerned.