BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 21, 2023
it’s time to start looking at what is driving electricity costs. First, rather than focusing solely on affordability, the Legislature has put into law in the PUC’s statement of purpose arbitrary greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Instead of concentrating on what is best for Mainers’ pocketbooks, the utilities commission now has the added focus on politically driven climate goals. I introduced a bill last session that would remove the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the basic purpose of the state’s utility regulatory system. Next, the utilities commission should increase transparency by making the actual cost and source of energy clear on everyone’s electric bill. If we do not implement these changes, I fear the burden our energy costs will be more than Mainers can bear. ~ Rep. “Jack” E. Ducharme, III, R-Madison