The state is spending about $8.6 million to expand fast-charging EV stations throughout the state, extending the network to more rural areas to reduce range anxiety and make long-distance trips viable in an EV.
Stephen Singer
Stephen Singer writes about energy and utilities for the Press Herald. He began covering the arcane beat in 1999-2000 as a statehouse reporter for The Associated Press in Charleston, W.Va., as the Legislature -- with many others in the U.S. -- set about the task of deregulating energy. Singer picked up the beat for the AP in Hartford, Conn., expanding his reporting to cover the six New England states. A newcomer to Maine, he prefers blueberries to lobster.
CMP bills to rise at least $10 a month; destructive storms blamed
State regulators approve the increase to cover the $220 million cost of restoring power after recent storms, and promise a proceeding in the ‘near future’ to consider how to balance storm response with affordability.
CMP agrees to small cut in storm reimbursement request after criticism over unjustified spending
Maine’s largest utility also agreed to improve how it documents its preparation for storms and recovery afterward to better justify reimbursement from ratepayers.
More people are living in Maine and working remotely for out-of-state employers
Jobs and worksites that increased in tandem before the pandemic are now diverging: The number of workplaces now exceeds job growth, according to a Maine Department of Labor report.
Energy company wants Maine to use its port instead of Sears Island for offshore wind hub
Competition for Maine’s offshore wind port is sharpening with Sprague Operating Resources proposing Mack Point as an alternative to the state’s preferred site on nearby Sears Island.
Maine man arrested in Louisiana and charged with manslaughter in death of toddler
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner ruled that the child, who was found unresponsive in the parking lot of the Thomaston Walmart, died as a result of blunt force trauma.
Maine regulators order audit of Versant Power after multiple rate increases
State utility regulators did not give reasons why they ordered an audit of Maine’s second-largest utility, but it acted after rate increases this year and in 2023 and a request for another in 2025.
New England grid operator says it’s prepared for peak electricity demands this summer
ISO-New England says it will have sufficient electricity to meet consumer demand, though an extreme heat wave could test the grid’s capacity.
Electric grid operators ordered to brace for surging demand and storm threats
New England has already begun looking at how the regional grid can adapt to change.
CMP, Maine near settlement over complaint utility overspent on power restoration
Central Maine Power Co. and the state’s public advocate are nearing agreement on how much the utility can charge ratepayers for storm recovery costs.