An Act To Lower the Price of Electricity for Maine Consumers (2012)
The Governor introduced a bill that would have undercut Maine’s existing Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard by removing the 100-megawatt cap on eligibility for hydropower. The bill would have required Maine ratepayers to subsidize massive Canadian hydropower dams at the expense of Maine-produced renewable energy like wind and solar. A majority of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee voted against the Governor’s bill and for an amended bill that maintained the cap. This amendment prevailed in the House and was defeated in the Senate, and ultimately died in non-concurrence. Rep. Stacey Fitts was the lead on the amended bill.