The governor calls the performance of Maine’s electric utilities ‘abysmal’ but says the bill to form a consumer-owned utility was ‘hastily drafted’ could create more problems than it solves.
Versant Power
Legislature passes consumer-owned utility bill after Maine Senate reverses course
But supporters would have to pick up additional votes to override a likely veto from Gov. Janet Mills, who has expressed concerns about the buyout of CMP and Versant Power’s assets.
Bill to form consumer-owned utility rejected by a single vote in Maine Senate
The measure, which called for consumer purchase of Central Maine Power and Versant Power, cleared the Senate in a preliminary vote but was turned away on final enactment.
Bill to replace CMP and Versant with consumer-owned utility gains committee approval
The Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee’s 9-2 vote, with 2 lawmakers absent, advances the bill for consideration by the full Legislature and, ultimately, Maine voters.
Dozens testify on both sides of bill to create consumer-owned utility in Maine
Under the controversial proposal, regulators would direct a buyout of Central Maine Power and Versant Power’s infrastructure to create a nonprofit utility serving roughly 800,000 customers.
What Maine is doing to tamp down the worst power outages in the nation
Maine continues to top most other states in the number and duration of power outages caused primarily by severe weather and downed trees, but regulators and utilities are aiming to improve upon that dubious distinction.
Costly power grid upgrade to boost renewables will test Maine’s commitment
It’s becoming clear that achieving Maine’s climate goals is going to require a makeover of its electric grid on a scale that hasn’t happened since the 1970s.
Lack of support stalls Maine lawmaker’s push for consumer-owned power
A bill to replace privately owned electric utilities with a power authority run by an elected board was neutered at the last minute by its sponsor, Democratic Rep. Seth Berry. But Berry and other advocates aren’t giving up.
Backers of consumer-owned power utility move to put question on Maine ballot
Supporters of replacing Maine’s investor-owned electric companies with an elected power authority filed a request with the Secretary of State’s Office on Sept. 18.
Bill to replace CMP with public entity faces key vote Friday
A legislative committee is set to decide whether to send the measure, which also would affect Versant Power, to the full Legislature.