BANGOR DAILY NEWS • July 5, 2023
Maine lawmakers have made some big deals while winding down their work for 2023, but a standoff over the state’s generous solar incentives remains unsolved. It’s unclear whether either side has the votes to break a deadlock between the chambers. That might be the worst thing for Maine’s electric ratepayers, who were hit last month by a $135.7 million annual increase that is mostly attributable to subsidies dating back to 2019. The Legislature has been full of surprises on this policy. The Senate may hold the keys to a fix. If it sticks by the Democratic-led version, that may force the House’s hand in approving a more incremental change. If Sen. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth can make progress with her colleagues, a Republican-led bill would make an improbable run to the front of the pack.