One lawmaker is proposing performance-based ratemaking as a possible way to address problems highlighted by the failed campaign to take over Maine’s investor-owned utilities.
Versant Power
Posted inElection 2023, Maine, Politics
Effort to create Maine publicly owned electric utility fails
A proposal to create a publicly owned utility by taking over Maine’s 2 big investor-owned utilities failed by a wide margin in Tuesday voting.
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Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Opponents of public utility takeover far outspend supporters as Election Day nears
The owners of Maine’s largest power companies have spent more than $37 million to defeat Question 3, while the leading supporter of a public utility takeover has spent just over $1 million.
Posted inBusiness, Election 2023, Maine, Politics
Auburn and Lewiston mayors have concerns over Question 3 and property taxes
The mayors of nine cities say they fear losing property taxes if Question 3 passes, despite language in the enabling legislation that should prevent that from happening.
Posted inBusiness, Election 2023, Politics
Public power question sharpens voters’ concerns about what’s at stake
A proposal to take over the state’s two investor-owned utilities raises worries about reliability, politics, workers’ rights, lawsuits and costs. Some are still in the dark.
Posted inBusiness, Election 2023, Maine, Politics
Question 3: What you need to know about the Pine Tree Power referendum
The highly contentious question would establish the framework for a new utility to deliver electricity in Maine.
Posted inBusiness, Election 2023, Maine, Politics
Question 1: Voters would have a say in certain big spending
Conceived as a fail-safe in case Question 3 passes, Question 1 would require voter approval for certain government bodies to take on more than $1 billion in debt.
Posted inBusiness, News
Mills urges voters to reject public utility takeover
The governor cited uncertainty about the long-term benefits of Pine Tree Power, and its initial cost.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Prices at smaller utilities work their way into debate over Maine’s energy future
Backers of Pine Tree Power tout lower rates at customer-owned utilities, but comparing those rates with investor-owned utilities is complicated.
Posted inBusiness, News
Maine utility ballot question likely to be tied up in court for years
An analysis by the state’s public advocate presents information, but few conclusions, about November’s utility referendum.