BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 2, 2023
The conflicting referendums are Question 3, which would create a Pine Tree Power Co. that would buy out the infrastructure of Central Maine Power Co. and Versant Power and put it under the control of an elected board, and the CMP-backed Question 1 which attempts to slow the creation of any new utility by subjecting billions in borrowing to yet another vote. Perhaps the only thing certain about the dueling questions is the uncertainty over what could happen if Maine voters pass both measures. If Question 3 passes, a ratepayer watchdog expects five to 10 years of legal wrangling over constitutionality and the price of utility assets.