PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 20, 2023
For years I was afforded an opportunity to peer inside Central Maine Power Co., its parent company Avangrid, and Hydro Quebec, as they sought to create the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) corridor. After much thought, I plan to vote “no” on Question 3, Pine Tree Power. Some economists have argued that a public power authority’s cost of borrowing in the bond market will be a substantial cost saver so they support Question 3. This may prove true, but only if Pine Tree Power proves itself competent, effective and trustworthy. Otherwise, I can think of no good reason to vote in favor of this long and complex ballot proposal. Here are eight concerns. ~ Richard Barringer, former Maine commissioner of conservation and director of state planning, and founding director of the Muskie School of Public Service at USM