Mainers getting bad deal on powerhttp://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=153086&ac=PHnwsMaine consumers are getting beaten up in an unresponsive wholesale electricity market that's dominated by high-cost natural gas, a new report says, and they might do better if the state formed stronger energy ties with New Brunswick.
In a draft of a final report to the Legislature, the Maine Public Utilities Commission says Maine's energy policy is at a crossroads. The current arrangement with New England's power grid operators, born 10 years ago with utility restructuring, has turned into a bad deal for Maine. Prices are rising, environmental goals are threatened and the state has diminished influence to control its energy destiny.
The PUC suggests three possible paths to a better future: Push for reforms in the current market, create an independent transmission company in Maine, or join with neighboring New Brunswick to form a common energy market.
During a media teleconference Wednesday, PUC Chairman Kurt Adams declined to give a preference but said he would offer his opinion to lawmakers. In other forums, Adams has promoted the benefits of clean power from Atlantic Canada. He also has been meeting with his counterparts in New Brunswick.
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