AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine’s Republican governor is reiterating his call for state utility regulators to resign because of new solar rules they approved.
Gov. Paul LePage appointed all three members of the Maine Public Utilities Commission and he’s seeking a replacement for commissioner Carlisle McLean whose term ends next month.
He told WVOM-FM that he’s thinking of nominating technical adviser James LaBrecque, who’s called the solar industry a “special interest.”
No one seems to be happy with the solar compromise reached by regulators.
The rules roll back financial incentives for those who install rooftop solar panels in 2018 or later. Commissioners say the cost of solar technology is dropping.
Pro-solar groups said rules gutted Maine’s solar industry. LePage said the rules continue incentives he claims will raise energy costs in the long term.
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