I can tell you that not only are the predictions of bargain basement interest rates by the Pine Tree Power proponents hopelessly optimistic, they are also promising policies that would likely drive current high interest rates even higher.
Op-Eds
Expert Opinions
Philip Shapiro, former board chair of ISO-NE
Commentary: Better not to take a chance on Pine Tree Power
Chris Byers, owner of Branch Renewable Energy in North Yarmouth.
I’m a Maine solar developer and I’m voting ‘No’ on Pine Tree Power
That’s why I’m voting No on Question 3. It’s too risky, too costly and doesn’t have a plan to deliver on the promises made by its supporters.
Orlando E. Delogu, emeritus professor at the University of Maine School of Law
Commentary: State ownership of Maine’s grid system is unwise
There is no reason to believe that putting Mainers in charge of our grid system would produce better results. For the above reasons, I’m voting “no” on Question 3.
Barbara Alexander, former director of the Consumer Assistance Division of the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
Letter to the editor: Pine Tree Power is not good for consumers
The vote on Pine Tree Power should not be viewed as a way to “punish” CMP or Versant Power. This question is whether or not it is a good idea for consumers. And it is consumers that I have represented my entire professional career. It is up to Pine Tree Power sponsors to defend their proposal as good for consumers. And it is not good for consumers.
Maine Mayors of Auburn, Augusta, Biddeford, Brewer, Gardiner, Lewiston, Saco, Sanford & Westbrook
Maine Mayors express concerns regarding “Pine Tree Power”
Pine Tree Power represents one of the most significant, costly, and risky proposals Maine voters have ever considered. We urge you to take our concerns into consideration when you vote in November.
The BDN Editorial Board
No on Question 3; there’s too much uncertainty around Pine Tree Power proposal
That’s a much better way forward than an expensive utility takeover that is not likely to deliver on its many promises. That’s why we urge a no vote on Question 3.
Richard Barringer, former Maine commissioner of conservation and director of state planning, and founding director of the Muskie School of Public Service at USM.
Commentary: Why I’ve decided to vote against the creation of Pine Tree Power
Can we be sure that the public utility will be competent, effective and trustworthy? We can't.
Ellsworth American Editorial Board
Good intentions leave too many questions
There is simply no guarantee of a sweet deal. For now, it would be better to give regulators more tools to hold the large utilities accountable and to explore the growth of Maine’s existing, small consumer-owned utilities. Vote no on Question 3.
Portland Press Herald Editorial Board
Our View: Pine Tree Power not the answer to Maine’s utility challenges
There’s not enough evidence that Pine Tree Power would be an improvement on what we have now. For that reason, we endorse a “no” on Question 3.
Former-Rep. Tina Riley, member of the Electric Ratepayers’ Advisory Council
Commentary: Maine needs climate change action, not distraction. Vote ‘no’ on Question 3
We cannot work effectively with the utilities to ensure they comply with our plan to transition away from fossil fuels and modernize the grid while also fighting in court to force them to sell.
Republican Members of the Legislature's Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology: Sen. Matthew Harrington, Rep. Steven Foster, Rep. Larry Lunphy, Rep. Reagan Paul, & Rep. Mark Babin
Energy Committee Republicans Say Question Three Means “Politician-Controlled” Electricity for Maine
If Question 3 passes, eminent domain will be used to force our private utility companies to sell their assets at fair market value to a newly formed quasi-governmental agency, the Pine Tree Power Company. There are plenty of unrealistic claims being made by the proponents of Pine Tree Power about reducing the cost of electricity, but the numbers just don’t pan out.
Adam Derosiers, Vice President, Electric Operations at Central Maine Power
Workers at CMP, Versant make sure power works
My grandfather was a lineman for Central Maine Power. Generations of people just like him — hardworking, proud Mainers who care deeply about their local communities — are the faces of our company. They are the people who best know how to build and maintain our state’s power grid.