BANGOR DAILY NEWS • July 4, 2023
The future of solar energy in Maine and our state’s climate goals could be at risk, depending on which of two bills is potentially enacted by the Legislature this week: LD 1347 or LD 1986. Both bills aim to address the way solar projects are compensated for the electricity they generate, but only LD 1986 will actually support solar development and our state’s clean energy goals. LD 1347 has been largely drafted to protect a few industrial interests. On the other hand, LD 1986 has been developed in close coordination with the Governor’s Energy Office and is supported by some ratepayers and solar providers. It proposes a correction in how new projects are paid, aligning them with a value established by the Public Utilities Commission. ~ Rep. Gerry Runte, York