Opinion: Hydropower is central to Maine’s economic future

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 28, 2026

Electrification, advanced manufacturing, digital services and new technologies such as AI all rely on a steady power supply. These changes bring opportunity, but only if our energy grid is ready to support them over the long term. That’s why it’s important to focus on the smartest assets we already have and use them well. Hydropower is Maine’s largest advantage. The state has nearly 700 MW of installed hydropower capacity across roughly 50 facilities, supplying about 20% of Maine’s in-state electricity generation in a typical year. These are proven, durable assets. Many hydropower facilities operate for 50, 75, even 100 years. For businesses, that longevity and scale matter because it translates into long-term price stability and reliability. ~ Kimberly Lindlof, Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.