AUGUSTA (AP) – It’s time for Maine to pull out of the New England power grid and go it alone in energy generation, supporters of a bill allowing Maine to drop out of the region’s independent systems operator told a legislative committee.

The bill before the Utilities and Energy Committee also won endorsements from several large manufacturers, who said Maine’s high electricity costs put them at a disadvantage when competing with plants in other states.

Maine is battling with southern New England over a rate increase to be imposed later this year by ISO New England, which manages the flow of electricity on the region’s high-voltage transmission lines. The increase would cost Maine electricity users more than $300 million over the next few years.

State Rep. Peter Rines, D-Wiscasset, said Wednesday he’s so angry he’s ready to go to the state border and cut the transmission lines himself.

“Now is the time to be independent and go it alone,” said Rines, a member of the utilities committee.

Opponents of the bill said membership in the grid spreads risks among a larger pool and gives Maine consumers long-term protection and stability. They also warned that the move could jeopardize wind and biomass power investments in Maine.

Gov. John Baldacci has launched a review the pluses and minuses of Maine’s continued participation in the New England Power Pool and ISO New England.

—

Governor signs bill to tighten Maine alien license regulations

Eds: LD 501

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci has signed into law a bill to tighten state requirements for issuing drivers’ licenses and state identification cards to Maine residents who are not United States citizens.

The law will bar the state from accepting expired visas granted by the United States, expired documents issued by foreign countries and foreign passports showing elapsed departure dates as identification to get drivers’ licenses or state IDs.

The legislation is not as stringent as federal requirements, but it is more restrictive than Maine’s existing rules.

Baldacci signed the bill last Friday.

AP-ES-02-16-06 1145EST

Copy the Story Link