Governor Mills Welcomes Progress on Northern Maine Energy Projects
Selected projects will unlock low-cost renewable power in Northern Maine, creating thousands of local jobs and delivering key infrastructure investments to support reliability
Augusta, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills today welcomed the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s (Commission) selection of projects through its Request for Proposals for renewable energy generation and transmission projects in Northern Maine, delivering on a longstanding priority to unlock local, abundant, affordable energy for Maine ratepayers.
“We are pleased to see this process moving forward and look forward to the benefits these projects can bring to Maine and the region,” said Governor Janet Mills. “Developing new energy resources and transmission in Northern Maine can help deliver more affordable and reliable power, strengthen our grid, reduce Maine’s exposure to energy cost volatility, and create thousands of jobs and new economic opportunities in rural communities. This is a historic opportunity to put Maine’s energy resources to work for ratepayers while supporting investment and economic development in Northern Maine.”
The selected projects will provide approximately 600MW of new onshore wind generation for Maine as well as the transmission infrastructure needed to deliver these new resources and future energy generation projects to the New England electrical grid.
The selected transmission project will maximize the use of existing transmission corridors, with Maine customers responsible for just 11 percent of project costs, with the remaining costs offset by other New England states. By leveraging regional collaboration and proactive planning, this key infrastructure investment will deliver real energy cost savings to Maine and the region.
The selected wind project is the lowest-cost bid, with Maine customers securing the majority of the generation at a competitive price expected to provide approximately $400 million in net benefits to Maine ratepayers.
Combined, these projects are expected to create more than 2,500 full-time jobs and generate $2.4 billion in economic activity statewide.
“Maine’s economic future depends on having energy that is affordable, reliable, and available to businesses and communities,” said Maine Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Michael Duguay. “These projects will strengthen the grid while creating new opportunities for investment, jobs, and economic growth in Northern Maine and across the state. By connecting these resources to the regional grid, Maine can capture greater value from its energy assets and support the businesses and communities that drive our economy.”
“Aroostook County has tremendous potential to support new investment in Maine’s energy future,” said Johanna Johnston, Executive Director, Southern Aroostook Development Corporation. “Projects of this scale can bring significant economic activity, infrastructure investment and new opportunities to our region. As they move forward, it will be important to ensure that the communities impacted see meaningful long-term benefits while recognizing the unique energy needs and infrastructure that exist across Aroostook County. Economic growth is strongest when new investment works alongside our communities, utilities and businesses to strengthen the region as a whole.”
“The Chamber supports the leadership of the Mills Administration, Chair Bartlett, and the Commission facilitating generation and transmission development with the New England States and issuing a coordinated regional procurement of large‑scale energy development in Maine,” said Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “The Maine State Chamber of Commerce supports this competitive regional process that will enhance economic opportunity while recognizing that these benefits will extend across New England and looks forward to working to bring this project to completion.”
“This long-awaited investment is a major win for Maine’s construction industry. These projects mean long-term construction jobs, continued investment in Maine companies, and new opportunities to expand apprenticeship programs and bring the next generation into the skilled trades,” said Kelly Flagg, Executive Director of Associated General Contractors of Maine. “This is the kind of sustained infrastructure investment that allows our contractors to grow their workforce, invest in people and equipment, and build careers that will remain in Maine long after construction is complete.”
“Renewable energy is a powerful driver of economic development in Maine, creating jobs, attracting investment, and putting our local energy resources to work for Maine communities,” said Eliza Donoghue, Executive Director of the Maine Renewable Energy Association. “Today’s announcement is a significant step toward a more affordable, reliable, and resilient energy system while delivering lasting economic benefits across the state.”
“Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering electricity bills, and fighting climate change all rely on building new sources of homegrown clean energy, and the enormous wind potential in Northern Maine is a great opportunity for all three,” said Jack Shapiro, Climate and Clean Energy Program Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. “As these projects move forward, we look forward to considering the details to make sure they are built with high standards for the environment, community engagement, and local economic benefits."
“The Northern Maine transmission and wind projects are a significant milestone that will strengthen our grid and reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels by unlocking reliable renewable energy in our own backyard,” said Tim Burgess, ABM IBEW Local 104. “For those of us who build high voltage electrical infrastructure, this is a great opportunity to expand Maine's clean energy future while driving vital economic development. On behalf of Maine’s IBEW Construction Locals, we are ready to get to work.”
The Northern Maine Renewable Energy Development Program was established through bipartisan legislation enacted in 2021 to facilitate new transmission and renewable generation in Northern Maine, expand homegrown energy resources, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, support economic growth, and ensure infrastructure costs are appropriately shared across the region.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
