AUGUSTA (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage says he’s tapping a paper mill manager as the state’s latest utility regulator. LePage, a Republican, said Wednesday he’s nominating Sappi mill manager Randall Davis as a commissioner of the state’s Public Utilities Commission. Davis will replace Carlisle McLean, who resigned in June after the governor called for utility regulators to […]
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Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
Bethel developer hopes to jolt Central Maine Power
BETHEL — Rick Savage doesn’t like getting pushed around. The co-owner of Sunday River Brewing Co. and developer of scores of new houses got angry when he discovered the power company might have shortchanged him. Two years ago, he filed a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission questioning Central Maine Power’s refusal to reimburse him […]
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Posted inMaine
Barry Hobbins starts job as Maine’s new public advocate
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine’s new public advocate is on the job. Barry Hobbins, who was nominated by Gov. Paul LePage, sailed through the energy committee and received Senate approval last month. He went to work on Monday. Hobbins is a lawyer, top Democratic fundraiser and former legislative leader with 26 years of experience. He also […]
Posted inBusiness
Maine regulators sign off on FairPoint sale
HALLOWELL (AP) — Maine has become the first state in northern New England to sign off on the $1.5 billion sale of FairPoint Communications to Illinois-based Consolidated Communications. The Maine Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously in favor of the deal Wednesday after Consolidated agreed to invest at least $52.2 million in its infrastructure in Maine. […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Advocates to ask PUC to reconsider solar ruling
Solar advocates scheduled a news conference for Tuesday at the State House as the latest move in an interminable energy battle, and there are two major things at play. Democratic lawmakers plan to push two bills to preserve and boost the future of solar power incentives, according to the Portland Press Herald. But advocates are […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Gov. Paul LePage seeks new utility regulator, slams solar rules
Maine Gov. Paul LePage is reiterating his call for state utility regulators to resign because of new solar rules they approved. AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine’s Republican governor is reiterating his call for state utility regulators to resign because of new solar rules they approved. Gov. Paul LePage appointed all three members of the Maine Public […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Former LePage counsel Avery Day helping group with state contract
AUGUSTA — The former chief legal counsel of Republican Gov. Paul LePage is representing a company trying to get a state contract, and he’s confident his new position does not conflict with his past government service. Avery Day filed papers with the Maine Public Utilities Commission saying he will be representing Northstar Industries in its bid […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Maine PUC OK rules that shift solar panel costs onto homeowners
AUGUSTA — State utility regulators are changing Maine’s solar energy rules despite pushback from solar groups. Owners of solar energy grids get credits on their energy bill for the energy they send back to the system. But critics, including GOP Gov. Paul LePage, say the current system means electricity customers are unfairly subsidizing the solar […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
PUC sees little benefit in gas pipeline for Maine ratepayers
AUGUSTA — A recent report says Maine taxpayers are unlikely to benefit from plans to invest up to $75 million a year into storing natural gas in liquid form. The report found 11 proposals received by the Maine Public Utilities Commission are not expected to provide a big return on investment for ratepayers if the […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Maine Public Utilities Commission expands FairPoint investigation
AUGUSTA — State utility regulators are expanding an investigation of FairPoint Communications for failing to meet minimum service standards for landline customers. The Maine Public Utilities Commission has been considering a $500,000 fine against FairPoint for failing to meet standards in 2014 and 2015. FairPoint had asked regulators not to open an investigation into standards […]