A delivery charge for electricity that does not have to be delivered is a backward policy. By The Editorial Board Central Maine newspapers editorial With every technological advance, solar energy becomes less expensive and a more attractive as an investment. Except in Maine, where the Public Utilities Commission has developed policy to fight progress. While… Continue Reading
Clean Energy
As Maine Reconsiders Offshore Wind Terms, Some Say Credibility Being Hurt
by Bill Opalka Energy News Network news story The backers of a two-turbine test project say they were blindsided by a recent decision to reopen terms of four-year-old contract. A move by Maine officials to rewrite terms of an offshore wind deal will delay a long-awaited demonstration project and further hurt the state’s credibility with clean… Continue Reading
Quebec Hydro Isn’t a Good Fit for Mass.
We need closer-to-home renewables that actually reduce emissions by Deb Pasternak, interim chapter director, Massachusetts Sierra Club Commonwealth Magazine op-ed Massachusetts electric distribution companies submitted long-term hydro electricity supply contracts to the Department of Public Utilities for review recently. The Massachusetts Sierra Club believes strongly that these contracts are not the right way to get… Continue Reading
Maine’s Top Court Says Appeal of Changes to Solar Incentives Must Go to Lower Court
Thursday’s ruling is a blow to solar advocates who have fought the new rule that reduces credits to homeowners. By Megan Doyle, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has dismissed a legal challenge to a controversial new solar energy rule, saying the dispute should go to a lower court… Continue Reading
Why Maine Towns and Cities are Investing in Solar Projects
By Abigail Curtis, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story Even on an overcast day, David Kinney feels a warm glow when he looks up at the 144 solar panels installed in a grassy field located right next to the Lincolnville Fire Station off Route 52. And on a sunny day, for the longtime Lincolnville… Continue Reading
Judge Tosses Challenge of Order Halting Wind Turbines
by Marina Villeneuve, The Associated Press Bangor Daily News news story PORTLAND, Maine — A judge has tossed a legal challenge of Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s executive order halting wind turbine permits in parts of Maine, while leaving the door open to revisit the topic. Superior Court Justice Andrew Horton said in his decision Friday… Continue Reading
Solar Energy is Looking Up in Madison, Maine
I’ve seen plenty of solar panels before. Several years ago, my hometown of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, installed panels no bigger than cafeteria trays on every streetlight in town. My high school had a spattering of panels on the math building’s roof. At Bowdoin College, where I’ll be a junior in the fall, there are… Continue Reading
Gov. LePage Set Up Wind-Farm Review Panel to Meet in Private. Now, the Names of its Members are Secret.
The governor’s energy director says the 14 members of the advisory panel will be identified once the body is prepared to meet. by Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Gov. Paul LePage’s administration is refusing to identify the members of a public commission charged with reviewing the impact of wind farms on… Continue Reading
Maine Regulators Carry Out LePage’s Shortsighted Energy Agenda
The state needs a governor with the vision and patience to build an ocean wind industry. The Editorial Board Portland Press Herald editorial It’s too soon to know the identity of Maine’s next governor, but the one we’ve got now just gave us all a good reminder of why we need a change. The three… Continue Reading
