MAINE MONITOR • July 25, 2025
Maine’s solar incentive program hast been successful in spurring the development of small-scale solar projects. Since it was established in 2019, the Net Energy Billing program has helped bring hundreds of arrays and more than 1 gigawatt of solar power onto the grid — far exceeding the program’s 750 megawatt goal. But critics argue that NEB has become a raw deal for Maine ratepayers who have subsidized solar development to the tune of more than $200 million annually. Enter L.D. 1777, a bill that the Maine Legislature passed with bipartisan support last month and that Democratic Gov. Janet Mills signed into law on June 27. The administration and proponents of the measure say overhauling the NEB program is necessary to better protect ratepayers amid rising energy prices. Eliza Donoghue, executive director of the Maine Renewable Energy Association, called the law “penny wise and pound foolish. We have set ourselves up to not enjoy the incredible stabilizing effect that renewable energy has on energy costs.“