ASSOCIATED PRESS • September 8, 2021
Opponents of a proposal to replace the state's privately owned electric companies with a consumer-owned utility have crafted a referendum that could create a new hurdle. The referendum proposal filed with the secretary of state's office on Tuesday would require voter approval for any quasi-government entity, including a consumer-owned utility, to take on $1 billion or more in debt. Critics of Central Maine Power and Versant Power want to issue bonds to buy them out and create a consumer-owned utility. Both proposals are pending with the secretary of state's office. Upon approval, supporters can begin collecting signatures.