Fed-up consumers will still likely get the last word on the future ownership of Maine’s electric grid.
Versant Power
CMP customers to see double-digit rate increase next month
The new rates approved by regulators Wednesday will hike Central Maine Power customers’ bills by 11.5% starting Aug. 1.
Mills vetoes bill calling for forced buyout of CMP and Versant Power
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.
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.
Maine Voices: I don’t like CMP. But I don’t support a publicly owned Maine utility.
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.
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.