LEWISTON – Councilors will host a public workshop Jan. 13 for people concerned about Central Maine Power’s proposed power line upgrade.

Councilors discussed the matter last month, saying they had little ability to control what CMP does. They agreed to host a meeting with the utility, in an attempt get answers for people.

The workshop, scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 13 in Lewiston City Hall, will feature CMP representatives presenting information to the council.

The utility plans to upgrade a wide swath of power lines through Central Maine, from Eliot through Litchfield, Monmouth, Leeds, Greene, Lewiston and a corner of Auburn at the Durham town line. The lines would extend up through Orrington and on to Canada.

CMP says it needs the upgrade to make the power grid more reliable and to make room for wind energy development.

Potential neighbors told councilors in December that they are worried about negative impacts from the lines – buzzing and audible pops from the overhead wires, electromagnetic fields, lower property values and health risks, clear cutting trees and the use of chemical defoliants.

Deputy City Administrator Phil Nadeau said the city is expecting a large turnout and will try to make sure Lewiston residents get first choice of the seats inside the City Council Chambers. An extra room will be provided to allow attendees the opportunity to view the meeting, which will also be broadcast live on Great Falls TV, Time-Warner on Channel 7 and Oxford Networks Channel 1.