By Jason Tessier, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed A critical first step toward building Maine’s next generation economy is passing effective solar energy policy during this legislative session. Solar power expansion goes hand in hand with job growth, energy independence, lower energy costs and reduced carbon emissions. Maine legislators such as Democratic Read More
solar bill
Rooftop Solar Bill Advances, but Republican Opposition Foreshadows Fight
The measure endorsed by the Legislature’s energy committee calls for a cost-benefit analysis of how utilities pay homeowners and small businesses for the electricity they generate. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A bill that would keep current financial incentives for rooftop solar in place pending a cost-benefit study Read More
Legislature’s Energy Committee Passes Two Solar Bills after House Republicans Abandon Their Own Amendment
One bill directs PUC to amend extreme net metering rule, the other boosts large solar for businesses, communities Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine “Today, the Maine Legislature’s Energy and Utilities Committee passed two bills: one directs PUC to amend extreme net metering rule, the other boosts large solar Read More
Now is the Right Time for Solar
People who invest now will begin saving hundreds of dollars. by John Reuthe and Sustain Mid Maine Coalition’s Energy Team Central Maine newspapers op-ed Around the country, the use of solar power has been growing by leaps and bounds. In states like Massachusetts and California, solar is sold door to door, and it is as Read More
Customers’ Bills at Center of Fierce Debate Over Incentives for Maine Rooftop Solar
Dozens of people crowd a hearing on new rules that the Legislature is considering to encourage homeowner use of solar power. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Clean-energy advocates and their supporters rallied Thursday around legislation aimed at maintaining and expanding financial incentives for rooftop solar electricity. But while Read More
Support of LD 1373, An Act to Expand and Protect Access to Solar Power in Maine
Senator David Woodsome, Chair Representative Seth Berry, Chair Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities & Technology My name is Dylan Voorhees and I am the Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). Thank you for allowing us to present this testimony. We strongly support this bill, which will increase Maine’s energy 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
Fixing Maine’s Solar Policy
by Peter Simmons of Brunswick Times Record op-ed The ongoing dispute between Governor LePage and solar advocates over energy policy deserves serious consideration and demands swift resolution. Although the Governor believes that solar power raises the cost of electricity and incentives only benefit the wealthy, a wisely designed solar policy will lower costs, result in Read More
Bill to Expand Solar Incentives in Maine Ready to Launch
Two frontrunners intend to enhance solar incentives, and could supersede recent changes from the state’s utilities commission. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The near-term future of rooftop solar energy in Maine is likely to be decided this spring, as lawmakers consider changes to a widely criticized rule approved in January Read More