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
Public Utilities Commission
Battle Over Maine Solar Energy Policies Continues
by Fred Bever, staff writer Maine Public news story Advocates for expanding solar power’s footprint in Maine turned out in force Monday to call on regulators to preserve policies they say have fostered the industry’s growth. They’re also requesting that any changes be left to the next Legislature. Earlier this year, the state’s Public Utilities Read More
Crucial Battle Over Solar Panel Incentives Goes to Maine PUC
Many Maine jobs are at stake as a proposal to reduce the credits for power fed to the grid from home rooftops is debated at a hearing. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story Battle lines are being drawn for a fight over the future of rooftop solar energy in Maine, as Read More
LePage, Environmental Lobbyists Weigh Future of Solar Policy
By Marina Villeneuve The Associated Press PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Republican Gov. Paul LePage and powerful environmental lobbyists are among those weighing in on the future of a Maine policy that gives bill credits to solar system owners for the retail value of the excess energy they feed back into the grid. LePage calls the Read More
Study Shows Solar Saves Money for All Ratepayers in Maine by Reducing Peak Demand
Costly Strain on New England Utility Grid Usually Peaks Around First Week of August News release Portland, ME – An updated analysis of the “value of solar” power in Maine shows that solar installations within the state cut electricity prices for everyone in Maine who pays an electric bill, by reducing peak demand on the Read More
Maine PUC Could Decide Fate of Solar in Maine
by Andy O’Brien Free Press news story When fourth generation mill worker Sadie Ferreira heard the news that Verso’s Bucksport paper mill would be shutting down at the end of 2014, she was devastated. “I was really upset by it because so many of my family members still worked there,” said the 35-year-old Bucksport native. Read More
Solar Power Bill Offers Bright Step Forward, South Portland City Manager Says
Portland Press Herald opinion piece by Jim Gailey SOUTH PORTLAND — A new creative way to bring reduced electricity costs to all ratepayers and help municipalities invest in sustainable, low-cost energy to benefit residents is currently before the Maine Legislature: L.D. 1649, “An Act to Modernize Maine’s Solar Power Policy and Encourage Economic Development.” Unfortunately, Read More
LePage Opposes Compromise to Rapidly Expand Solar Power
Diverse interest groups back the 12-fold expansion, but LePage’s energy office says it includes subsidies that harm other ratepayers, setting up a legislative battle. By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story A compromise proposal to boost solar power development in Maine 12-fold over five years is being opposed by Gov. Paul LePage, Read More
Can Maine Thread the Political Needle on Solar Policy?
By Darren Fishell, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story PORTLAND, Maine — Solar power in Maine is in for some growing pains. As the industry matures and solar generation gets cheaper, Maine policymakers are considering what to do about a system of incentives set up to encourage solar’s earliest adopters. A group including the Read More
