Portland-based smart grid developer GridSolar announced Wednesday that it is seeking renewable energy generators in the Boothbay region to join a pilot energy project approved by state regulators in May.
The company announced its request for proposals Wednesday for the pilot project, which the company hopes will allow the region to control 2,000 kilowatts of its energy locally through generation and conservation.
To serve current demand in the area, Central Maine Power Co. estimates it would have to build an $18 million, 34.5 kilovolt power line from Newcastle to Boothbay, according to a press release. GridSolar hopes its pilot project will generate enough power locally to make the transmission upgrade unnecessary.
The request for proposals process will be open until Nov. 9.
