A bill up for vote this week means the PUC could ensure wise use of solar, despite CMP’s cockeyed arguments otherwise. by Tony Buxton, special to the Press Herald Press Herald op-ed If the Legislature passed a law making you pay your grocer for the vegetables you grow in your own garden, you would be Read More
Central Maine Power
More Than Two-thirds of Maine House and Senate Approve Solar Bill; Next Significant Vote Expected to be Veto Override (LD 1504, as amended)
Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Climate and Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Today, the Maine House (105-40) and Senate (29-6) voted overwhelmingly in favor of a compromise solar bill to help build a prosperous future for Maine people through encouraging clean, locally produced solar power and the good jobs it delivers. The measure Read More
Backers Tout Bill Opposed by LePage, CMP to Allow More Community Solar Farms
The measure would lift restrictions on current large-scale solar projects, and set new power goals. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A parade of proponents turned out Thursday at a public hearing for a bill that would greatly expand community solar farms in Maine. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. David Read More
Public Utilities Commission Considering Changes to Solar Power Rules
by Chris Rose, staff writer WCSH news story New rules being considered by the Maine Public Utilities Commission could have a major impact on the future of solar power in the state. The changes would cut financial incentives for homeowners with solar panels. Advocates say without those incentives, people and businesses will be less likely Read More
So. Portland Hosts 3rd Annual Electric Car “Ride ‘n Drive,” Part of “National Drive Electric Week”
Mainers prove eager to test drive expanding choice of models News Release South Portland, ME – Dozens of electric cars were on display and on the road today at South Portland’s 3rd Annual “Drive Electric” event. Coinciding with National Drive Electric Week and hundreds of similar events nationwide, the South Portland gathering offered people an Read More
Community Solar Farm Has Its Day in the Sun
A group of Wayne investors put together a small solar array that will pay off on their CMP bills. By Charles Eichacker, Kennebec Journal Kennebec Journal news story WAYNE — Watching things leave and return to earth was a regular part of Rosanne Graef’s childhood. Her father, Howard Holman, was a commercial pilot who enjoyed flying Read More
Groundbreaking Solar Initiative Wins Support from Wide Array of Solar Supporters, Small Businesses, Bipartisan Lawmakers, and Key Stakeholders
Historic legislation calls for major ramp-up of solar installations and new job creation with benefits for all customers News Release AUGUSTA – A group of solar businesses, workers, municipalities, community leaders, utilities, and other stakeholders on Thursday announced their support for historic new solar legislation that will dramatically increase installation of solar throughout Maine. The Read More
Solar Power’s Growth Calls for New System
A compromise between solar users, regulators and utilities could head off a costly fight in Maine. By The Editorial Board Portland Press Herald editorial There’s a battle going on between big polluters and a growing solar energy industry that is being fought in state capitals across the nation. Nevada, Hawaii, Oklahoma and other states have scaled Read More
Solar Slowly Rising in Maine
by Kathryn Skelton, Staff Writer Sun Journal news story Lewiston industrial roofer IRC installed solar panels on roofs all around New England — multimillion-dollar, multi-megawatt projects — but never converted its own headquarters to solar. Until last week. Time and price were finally right. Leaders of Saint Dominic Academy in Auburn started contemplating solar power Read More
