More aggressive enforcement by the PUC is a better way to ensure the utility is prepared for the dramatic demands on the grid we’re going to face.
Versant Power
Maine Voices: Young Mainers will be inheriting the grid – we would like to own it
If we’re going to increasingly rely on electricity for our basic needs in the future, consumer ownership, not investor ownership, is the way to go.
Bill to form consumer-owned utility rejected by one 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, dimming the bill’s chances of passage this session.
Former PUC commissioners: Don’t put politicians in charge of our electric grid
Maine will not be able to keep up its climate response in the midst of a costly takeover battle.
Jim Fossel: Much could go wrong with government ownership of CMP, Versant
Maine would be better off using its regulatory powers to direct and hold accountable its investor-owned electric companies.
Gov. Mills has reservations about buyout of utilities
The governor’s concerns include the makeup and required expertise of the proposed public utility’s governing board.
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.