Portland Foreside power plant loses first round with PUC

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 12, 2026

The Maine Public Utilities Commission issued a ruling this week preserving its authority to regulate a proposed cogeneration plant that would power hundreds of homes and businesses on Portland’s eastern waterfront. Portland Foreside Development Co. had requested an advisory ruling that the natural gas-fired plant would be exempt from regulation as a public utility. The plant would generate electricity and heat for several properties in the 10.5-acre mixed-use development, including a 132-unit condominium building, a 200-apartment complex and a 130-room hotel with 38 residences that are planned. The plant would be off the public grid and not linked to Central Maine Power Co.