PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • March 20, 2025
Attempts to cancel net energy billing are based on the false claim that the solar program is responsible for increased electricity costs for Mainers. Those cost increases are primarily the result of the rising price of natural gas and storm recovery costs from last year’s devastating storms in January. Every dollar invested in net energy billing results in $1.29 in ratepayer benefits. More than 100,000 Mainers currently have solar installations, providing clean energy to reduce carbon emissions and limit climate change. To cancel net energy billing would break the state’s contract with those Mainers. It would also eliminate any incentive to install solar energy systems. It would be an irresponsible step backward and away from our goal to reduce fossil fuel consumption. ~ Stephen Martin, Brunswick