DEAR SUN SPOTS: A few years ago, when we were voting regarding the CMP corridor, there were signs all over Lewiston encouraging people to vote for it. Supposedly it would bring our property taxes way down, because of the investments the company would be making at the facility in Lewiston. 

In this time of new property assessments and fear of taxes going way up, I’ve heard absolutely no mention of this. Can you please find out just how and when this was supposed to help the taxpayers of this city? Thanks for your help. — Debbie, Lewiston

ANSWER: According to the Portland Press Herald, the CMP New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) project helps Lewiston residents through municipal property tax revenue, regional electric rate stabilization, and infrastructure modernization. 

The high-voltage transmission line delivers Canadian hydropower to the New England grid via a converter substation on Merrill Road in Lewiston. Key localized benefits include municipal tax revenue. The Merrill Road converter station brings in approximately $8 million per year in property tax revenues. 

You can contact the city officials for more information. Find a contact list at https://www.lewistonmaine.gov/. On the website, you’ll also see information regarding assessments. 

Meanwhile, here are some documents to review:

1. A news release regarding home assessments: https://www.lewistonmaine.gov/Archive/ViewFile/Item/6845.

2. An Ordinance Pertaining To The Zoning And Land Use Code — The City Of Lewiston states “the estimated tax revenues for the City of Lewiston alone will be approximately $8.39 million annually, beginning in 2023. This revenue injection will better allow Lewiston to address the needs of its residents, including those who need social services support from the City. Importantly, the NECEC will provide this benefit without requiring a corresponding increase in the tax rate and may even permit the City to lower a state adjusted tax rate of, as of February 2019, $23.66, which was approximately 57% higher than the statewide rate of $15.06. This economic benefit to the City of Lewiston and its residents is accomplished at no cost to the City (i.e., the NECEC Project will not increase the need for municipal services such as police, emergencies, or educational) and at no cost to any neighboring community or to the State of Maine.”

3. You can find this document with more detailed information here: https://www.lewistonmaine.gov/Archive/ViewFile/Item/4700 on page 3. 

CMP’s parent company, Avangrid, created rate relief funds and inflation-protected supply contracts designed to minimize market volatility and reduce overall electricity costs for Maine ratepayers over time.

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