PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 22, 2021
On Thursday, over 90 people testified on L.D. 1708, a bill that would establish a locally run, nonprofit consumer-owned utility to deliver electricity to Maine homes and businesses. Seventy-eight people testified in support of the bill. Clearly, Maine needs an electric utility that prioritizes service to Maine people, not profits. Clearly, we need an electric utility that can access the lowest-cost capital to upgrade the grid and prepare us for increased renewable electricity. Clearly, we need an electric utility that would enthusiastically embrace and invest in Maine’s climate goals. Clearly, we need better reliability and customer service from our electric utility than we have now. Local ownership of our electric utility would change the incentives from profit to the people. ~ Susan B. Inches, North Yarmouth