PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Construction crews are actively setting up numerous utility poles and stringing power lines as work advances on a long-delayed project aimed at supplying Canadian hydropower-generated electricity to 1 million homes in New England.

A recent report to state regulators reveals that workers have installed 441 poles along the 145-mile (233-kilometer) transmission line, with 178 poles already wired. This progress marks significant strides in the New England Clean Energy Connect project, which has faced numerous setbacks, legal challenges, and a voter referendum in Maine that initially halted the initiative.

Avangrid, in collaboration with Hydro Quebec, anticipates completing the project by the end of next year. Avangrid, the parent company of Central Maine Power, has not provided any additional comments.

The project's cost has risen from $1 billion to at least $1.5 billion due to inflation and delays instigated by opposition. The Massachusetts Legislature has approved most of the increased costs to be passed on to ratepayers, and negotiations are ongoing to determine how these costs will be distributed.

Proponents argue that the 1,200 megawatts of electricity generated will reduce regional energy rates and cut carbon emissions. Opponents, however, argue that the project will devastate woodlands and fail to meet the promised environmental benefits.