The co-chairmen of two legislative committees say they don’t think the 145-mile transmission line proposed by CMP would benefit Maine. By Ray Routhier, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The bipartisan leaders of two legislative committees who disapprove of a proposed 145-mile power transmission line through western Maine sent a letter to regulators in Read More
CMP Transmission Line Proposal: A Bad Deal for Maine
Central Maine Power (CMP) is proposing to build a 145-mile, high-voltage, direct current transmission line from the Quebec-Maine border to an interconnection with the existing New England grid in Lewiston. About 53 miles of the CMP transmission line route would create a brand new transmission corridor; requiring clearing of a large, currently undisturbed, swath of Maine’s North Woods.
The Natural Resources Council of Maine opposes the CMP corridor because it would harm Maine forests and wildlife, suppress Maine's renewable energy industry, and could actually increase climate change emissions, all without any clear benefit to Maine or Massachusetts.
Under its proposal, CMP would expand the other 92 miles of transmission line, requiring clearing more vegetation and undertaking additional development within existing corridors. The proposed CMP transmission line includes above-ground transmission lines across the Kennebec River Gorge, the Appalachian Trail, 263 wetlands, 115 streams, 12 inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat areas, and near Beattie Pond, a Class 6 remote pond.
CMP Faces Backlash Over 145-Mile Transmission Line from Environmentalists and Power Plants Alike
By Fred Bever Maine Public news story Most of the time, environmental advocates and the owners of fossil-fuel power plants battle over how much pollution is acceptable, given the need to keep the lights on. But in Maine, they are now aligning against a common enemy – Central Maine Power (CMP). CMP wants to build Read More
Opponents File Arguments with State to Scuttle or Reshape CMP Plan for 145-mile Power Line
They cite job losses, idled power plants, increased pollution and canceled solar and wind projects as potential impacts of the transmission line proposed by Central Maine Power’s parent company. by Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Opponents of a plan to build a 145-mile transmission line through western Maine filed their objections Read More
CMP Transmission Project Expected to Fatten Parent Avangrid’s Bottom Line
The 145-mile high-voltage line still needs approval from the Maine Public Utilities Commission, but stock analysts see a boost to the company on the horizon. by Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The parent company of Central Maine Power stands to earn roughly $60 million a year in net income from building Read More
Will a Transmission Line Run Through the Wilds of Maine?
By David Abel, Globe Staff Boston Globe news story THE FORKS, Maine — The broad, endless sky, curving over the vastness of the deep woods. Stillness broken only by the whooshing of white water and the squawks of wildlife. This is what drew Kevin Ross to the North Woods. “It’s pristine, untouched land — pure Read More
Unanswered Questions about CMP Bid to Cross Maine to Bring Clean Power from Canada to Massachusetts
Is it a shell game? by Christine Parrish The Free Press news story Questions are being asked as to whether a $950 million electricity transmission line that Central Maine Power proposes to build across a remote part of Maine will reduce greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, as intended. The proposed project is a joint Read More
CMP, Kennebec River Gorge Deal Never Came to Fruition
By Fred Bever Maine Public news story As part of a deal to win a state permit for a major transmission project eight years ago, Central Maine Power (CMP) agreed to transfer the scenic Kennebec River Gorge to the state. But that never happened. Environmentalists say that raises troubling questions about a new CMP project Read More
CMP Energy Project Could Tunnel Under Kennebec River Gorge
by Fred Bever Maine Public news story Massachusetts officials say they are ready to negotiate final terms for the construction of a $950 million transmission line to carry electricity from Canada’s Hydro-Quebec dam system through Maine down to the Bay State. Central Maine Power says it can complete the project by 2022, but it is Read More
In Reversal, Massachusetts Puts CMP in Lead Position for $950 Million Power Line Project
The Bay State abandons talks with one developer and is pursuing a deal with the Maine utility for a 145-mile line running from the Canadian border to Lewiston and into the regional grid. by Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Massachusetts energy officials ended talks Wednesday with the developer of a proposed Read More
