Maine spends $6.6 million to strengthen independent electric grids

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • July 23, 2024

The state is spending $6.6 million from Washington to strengthen independently operated electric grids that, along with Maine’s two dominant investor-owned utilities, face increasing threats from destructive storms. Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative, the Fox Islands Electric Cooperative at Vinalhaven and North Haven, Van Buren Light and Power and three power projects will benefit from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. When combined with matching funds provided by the recipients, more than $11 million will improve the resiliency of Maine’s electrical infrastructure, Gov. Janet Mills said Tuesday.