Proposed Resolution on CMP’s Maine Power Reliability Program Will Transform How Maine Gets its Electricity

Conservation Law Foundation Applauds New Measures That Promote Renewable Energy Transmission and Non-Transmission Alternatives Such As Solar

Multi-Faceted Plan to Improve Power Reliability While Reducing Demand May Be Model For Nation

CONTACT:
Greg Cunningham, CLF, (207) 210-6439 or gcunningham@clf.org
Karen Wood, CLF, 617-850-1722 or kwood@clf.org

(PORTLAND, ME)  May 7, 2010 – The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) hailed the multi-party settlement agreement released today that informally approves a modified version of Central Maine Power’s (CMP) proposed Maine Power Reliability Program (MPRP) as a progressive, yet pragmatic, plan that, if approved by the PUC, will put Maine at the forefront of next generation electricity transmission. The proposed plan, which involves an innovative blend of traditional transmission, cutting-edge smart grid technology and long-term efficiency investments, will satisfy the power reliability needs for the state, as identified by ISO New England, while ensuring that Maine can benefit from further development of its clean, renewable energy infrastructure. The plan includes measures to reduce energy consumption, cutting Maine’s carbon emissions and saving consumers money while reducing the need for additional costly transmission expansions in the future.

“Although a long time in the making, this proposal now represents a shared vision for a system that makes use of the many local and regional resources available  to both keep the lights on in Maine, and do so in a clean and cost-effective manner,” said Greg Cunningham, senior attorney at CLF’s Maine Advocacy Center. “To bring about real change in confronting our climate challenges, it takes time and investment, but most of all, it takes courage. Maine has a real opportunity here to show the country how it’s done.”

CLF initiated settlement talks with CMP in July 2009 to ensure that the ambitious MPRP would consider environmental factors in concert with CMP’s goals to improve power reliability in the state. As the number of intervenors in the case grew, CLF played a key role in bridging the diverse and sometimes conflicting needs of the utility, consumers, business and the environmental community to advance the negotiations. In addition to CLF, intervenors included The Office of Public Advocate, the Industrial Energy Consumers Group, and GridSolar LLC, along with nearly 180 other parties.

CLF said the proposed resolution strikes the right balance between funding new transmission projects to meet the state’s reliability needs for the foreseeable future, and innovative new measures to reduce demand and operate more efficiently, minimizing the need for additional transmission projects down the road. The agreed upon plan will:

• Enable the transmission of power from Maine’s renewable energy sources like wind and hydro throughout the state, creating good, local green jobs;

• Invest $17 million to fund low income weatherization and targeted efficiency programs, and further commitments by CMP and Bangor Hydro Electric to assist the Efficiency Maine Trust in fostering cost-effective efficiency measures in Maine;

• Avoid new transmission lines in certain areas, substituting them with pilot programs to test the alternative use of solar, and possibly other renewable energy sources, strategically distributed to provide power on a more localized basis. The programs will utilize “smart grid” technology to ensure that the power is efficiently and reliably delivered;

• Provide funding to create a more open and transparent process for non-utility stakeholders from across the state to participate in the regional planning process;

• Establish an ombudsman to help resolve issues raised by landowners abutting the MPRP facilities, and reduce, to the extent consistent with system reliability, the impact of tree clearing and construction on the communities through which MPRP will pass.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission is expected to take up its consideration of this settlement on May 25, 2010.

The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England.  CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovative strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region.  Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.