MAINE PUBLIC • May 20, 2021
Supporters of a bipartisan measure that would ask state voters to create a consumer-owned utility in Maine turned out in force for a legislative hearing today. Run by an elected board, the new company would take over the transmission systems now owned by Central Maine Power and Versant. More than 80 people signed up to testify in favor of the measure. That was a contrast to the number of opponents who signed up to speak — 13 — almost all of them with financial or other ties to the utilities. David Littell, a former state regulator, says that in his experience, private enterprise coupled with rigorous public regulation provides the best model for providing successful utility services. Governor Mills' administration testified "neither for nor against" the measure.