Column: Aroostook wind project should spur new public power authority

CENTRAL MAINE • September 17, 2026

If all goes well, Maine will host a gigantic wind farm in southeastern Aroostook County by sometime in the 2030s, producing electricity for the New England grid and advancing the shift to renewable energy the world desperately needs to stave off the worst effects of global warming. Last month, the Maine Public Utilities Commission announced the selection of Clearway Energy to build a 800-megawatt wind farm. That follows a failed 2023 effort by LS Power for a similar contract. This would be among Maine’s largest-ever infrastructure projects, doubling its wind energy capacity. The major alternative, ocean-based wind, was shut down by the Trump administration. Why shouldn’t Maine get more of the rewards? Other states siting large new generation facilities have created public power authorities — to plan, operate and in some cases own these assets. The advantages could be compelling. ~ Douglas Rooks