Governor Paul LePage. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore.
Maine’s solar advocates want to bring the state up to speed with other New England solar-friendly states.
The first step toward solar growth in the state was a bill sponsored by Senator David Woodsome (R). The so-called “Act To Modernize Maine’s Solar Power Policy and Encourage Economic Development” bill was discussed at a public hearing yesterday. The bill would set a new goal for the Public Utilities Commission to enter into 20-year contracts for 120 MW of new community solar capacity over the next four years.
The Portland Press Herald’s Tux Turkel writes, “The community bill aims to allow home and small-business customers—and to a lesser extent, towns and cities—get a share of their electricity from large solar farms.”
Advocates hope to modernize solar in the state through multiple bills this spring, but the Press Herald anticipates that it won’t be an easy battle. Governor Paul LePage and his allies have already shown they aren’t solar fans after LePage vetoed a comprehensive solar bill last year. Turkel writes, “political values and ideology will again play a large role in the future of solar energy growth in Maine.”
Next Thursday, a bill that aims to fully preserve net metering is scheduled for a hearing.