Construction plans have been delayed for the Northern Pass power transmission project that would bring hydroelectric power from Canada to New England, wire services reported.

In 2009, Hartford-based Northeast Utilities and Boston-based NSTAR proposed construction of a 200-mile-long high-voltage power line. Through their Northern Pass Transmission LLC venture, NU and NSTAR filed an application in October 2010 for a permit to build the $1.1 billion Northern Pass line at the U.S. border.

Much of the transmission project would run through New Hampshire. The project has faced opposition from some residents of the areas in which the project is to be built.

Project organizers working on a proposal for a new route said construction is expected in the timeframe of 2014 and 2016. Construction initially was planned for 2013 to 2015.

An announcement detailing the new route is expected later this year.

The U.S. Department of Energy, which would need to approve the project, is keeping its public comment period open. It would stay open for 45 days after the announcement.

NU and NSTAR have said the Northern Pass project will improve New England's electric reliability and provide 1,200 MW of clean low-emissions hydroelectric power to the region.

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