MONHEGAN ISLAND (AP) — Monhegan Island is getting a $420,000 federal grant to upgrade its power system.
The Department of Agriculture grant will fund a 13- kilowatt solar power system, a new 40-kilowatt generator and a new switching system that will allow the Monhegan Plantation Power District to switch between different power sources and incorporate renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree says Monhegan residents pay about 70 cents per kilowatt hour, more than four times the average mainland rate and among the 20 highest rates in the country. She says the grant will improve the reliability and efficiency of the island’s power grid.
Monhegan has a yearround population of about 70.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less