The owners of Maine’s largest power companies have spent more than $37 million to defeat Question 3, while the leading supporter of a public utility takeover has spent just over $1 million.
Versant Power
Posted inBusiness, Election 2023, Maine, Politics
Auburn and Lewiston mayors have concerns over Question 3 and property taxes
The mayors of nine cities say they fear losing property taxes if Question 3 passes, despite language in the enabling legislation that should prevent that from happening.
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Posted inBusiness, Election 2023, Politics
Public power question sharpens voters’ concerns about what’s at stake
A proposal to take over the state’s two investor-owned utilities raises worries about reliability, politics, workers’ rights, lawsuits and costs. Some are still in the dark.
Posted inBusiness, Election 2023, Maine, Politics
Question 3: What you need to know about the Pine Tree Power referendum
The highly contentious question would establish the framework for a new utility to deliver electricity in Maine.
Posted inBusiness, Election 2023, Maine, Politics
Question 1: Voters would have a say in certain big spending
Conceived as a fail-safe in case Question 3 passes, Question 1 would require voter approval for certain government bodies to take on more than $1 billion in debt.
Posted inBusiness, News
Mills urges voters to reject public utility takeover
The governor cited uncertainty about the long-term benefits of Pine Tree Power, and its initial cost.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Prices at smaller utilities work their way into debate over Maine’s energy future
Backers of Pine Tree Power tout lower rates at customer-owned utilities, but comparing those rates with investor-owned utilities is complicated.
Posted inBusiness, News
Maine utility ballot question likely to be tied up in court for years
An analysis by the state’s public advocate presents information, but few conclusions, about November’s utility referendum.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Sierra Club endorses Maine publicly owned utility ballot question
Voters will decide on Nov. 7 whether the state’s power distribution system will be maintained by investor-owned utilities or a state-led nonprofit.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Millions of dollars in foreign campaign funds pour into Maine as lawmakers push to ban them
Lawmakers say they will try to override Gov. Janet Mills’ veto of the foreign spending ban, but it won’t prevent foreign-owned companies from pouring money into Maine politics this fall.