As one of many in our state who are working to wean our economy off fossil fuels, I believe the proposal currently under consideration in Augusta to form a new Pine Tree Power Company is unwise. Turning our energy future over to a board of elected politicians would set us back in our efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.
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Bangor Daily News
Utility run by elected board would hamper Maine’s climate change work
Former PUC commissioners:
Don’t put politicians in charge of our electric grid
As former commissioners of Maine’s Public Utilities Commission, we strongly oppose proposed legislation – LD 1708 – that would authorize a new government authority, overseen by politicians, to seize and run CMP and Versant Power. A government takeover would set back Maine’s work on climate change, trigger many years of costly litigation, and ultimately cost ratepayers tens of billions more.
Bangor Daily News
Maine should learn from New York before taking over its utilities
The proposal received a cool reception from Gov. Janet Mills. Once Mainers dig down into the details, the proposal will likely get a cool reception from the public, as well. Maine would be wise to study the takeover of the electric system by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) in New York before moving forward with this venture.
Bangor Daily News
Don’t slow Maine’s green energy momentum by diverting focus to a public power fight
With federal support, smart planning and steady leadership through the global COVID-19 crisis, we have an opportunity to emerge stronger, more resilient and better prepared to meet the challenges of the future. We shouldn’t gamble that strength away on a multi-billion dollar government takeover of the state’s electrical grid. That is what LD 1708, a bill being considered by the Maine Legislature’s Energy Committee, seeks to do.
Maine Policy Institute
A government takeover of CMP and Emera would not benefit ratepayers
During the First Session of the 129th Legislature, Rep. Seth Berry introduced LD 1646, a bill that would create a consumer-owned transmission and distribution utility by forcibly consuming assets and operations of Emera Maine and Central Maine Power (CMP)…
Crystal Rhoads, Former-Commissioner of the Nebraska Public Service Commission
Letter to the Maine Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology on L.D. 1646, An Act to Restore Local Ownership and Control of Maine’s Power Delivery Systems