The Cross-Sound Cable can transmit a maximum power of 330 MW at a voltage of +/- 150 kV DC.

Construction of the Cross-Sound Cable was started in 2002 from the former site of the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant.

Concern over possible environmental impact of the buried underwater cables caused significant delay in operation.

Commercial operation of the cable was delayed until after the August 14, 2003 blackout of much of the eastern North American power system.

The builders and first operators of the project, TransÉnergie HQ, a subsidiary of Hydro-Québec, and the United Illuminating Company, sold their interests in the cable to Babcock & Brown for approximately US $213 million in February 2006.