PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 7, 2023
A $220 million steamroller is coming to Maine, and everyone who uses Central Maine Power or Versant Power for electricity is directly in its path. But the state Legislature can save us by reforming, or even ending, the net energy billing program for large-scale solar developers. We support the Office of the Public Advocate’s proposal to reform the net energy billing program, which has been put forth in L.D. 1347. This bill would authorize the PUC to periodically adjust the subsidy so that it is fair to both solar developers and customers. It preserves the program for small rooftop projects where most of the energy is consumed by the owner, and it promotes the state’s goals of shifting to renewable energy and keeping electricity rates fair and reasonable. ~ Carl Bucciantini, AARP Maine