PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 9, 2024
Manufacturers in Maine are pushing back against electricity costs that rose sharply this summer as a result of state policy meant to encourage the use of solar and wind power. The Public Utilities Commission is again looking into how much of a power bill should be used to incentivize renewable energy projects. Milo Chip, a paper products manufacturer, told the PUC its monthly bill is up by $6,000. The business may be forced to close. In July, regulators said an analysis showed that low electricity users in some classes are paying much more than if billed only on the volume of electricity used and large users in some classes paying much less. Falling costs for solar panels also undermine the case for sizable ratepayer subsidies for the solar industry. “It’s time we pulled the fire alarm,” said one company representative..