The Maine Public Utilities Commission issued a key decision to move forward with two large projects to promote renewable-energy development in northern Maine.
In November 2022, the commission issued conditional approval while it explored partnership options to help offset costs to Maine ratepayers. Since then, Massachusetts formally has offered to partner with Maine on the project.
With Massachusetts partnering on 40 percent of the project, the estimated net costs to Maine ratepayers would be about $1 billion, or about a dollar per month for an average residential customer. Costs could be reduced further if additional partners participate in the project.
“These projects will provide significant benefits to Maine and the region, including jobs during construction, property tax revenue for local communities and environmental benefits from new renewable-energy displacing fossil fuels,” said Philip Bartlett II, chair of t
