Perhaps 30 years ago, while driving to work, I listened to a news item stating that on the previous day an association of orange juice distributers agreed to add 10 percent water to their orange juice. The announcer reflected that, by this simple act, they had jointly agreed to bilk the American public for more money than all the bank robbers stole the previous year.

In the Sept. 30 Sun Journal, I read that a confidential meeting of CMP (owned by the Spanish company, Iberdrola) and the PUC will be held. The result could be to approve CMP’s request for upgrading the transmission lines between Orrington and the New Hampshire border.

It is important to understand that this transmission line is not to benefit Maine citizens. Its purpose is to transport electrical power to other New England states. This electricity will come from New Brunswick (remember Orrington) and from the excess power produced in Maine. Power producers in Maine generate 50 percent more power than Maine residents consume. More wind turbines are being built, yet electrical rates remain among the highest in the country.

Maine ratepayers are expected to contribute more than $100 million in constructing this transmission line; CMP (Iberdrola) is, according to the article, expected to increase profits by $100 million annually. Electrical rates are not expected to decrease.

The authority for the final approval rests with the three PUC commissioners, all appointed by the governor.

Remember the orange juice?

Richard Sabine, Lewiston