PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 28, 2025
Blaming solar power for rising electric bills is misleading and dangerous. The real culprits? The volatile cost of fossil fuels and the growing financial toll of climate-related damage. Yet, some legislators continue to target solar energy, proposing retroactive changes that would dismantle contracts and investments already in place. Retroactive policy would harm more than 80,000 program participants including Maine municipalities, schools, hospitals, small businesses and residents that have embraced solar to lower and stabilize energy costs. What can Maine do to address rising electric bills? 1: Double down on clean energy. 2: Reduce program expenses and better monetize benefits. 3: Scrutinize utility costs to ensure utilities are not overburdening ratepayers. 4: Support vulnerable populations by helping low-income households afford electricity. 5: Implement Solar for All. ~ Stanley Paige Zeigler, Montville, served as House chair of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee