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July 6, 2018

Mass. looks north for electricity and some Mainers ask what's in it for them

A Maine lawmaker is asking Central Maine Power to help offset the cost of other services as a tradeoff for its plan for a $950 million transmission line through northern Maine.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the 150-mile transmission project, which CMP hopes to complete by 2022, needs state-level approvals in Maine, clearance from the federal government and Massachusetts regulatory approval for a 20-year deal to buy hydropower from Quebec.

Some officials are asking whether CMP can help facilitate some long-running needs, like high-speed internet and improved cell coverage.

The Journal cites the case of state Sen. Tom Saviello, R-District 17, who wants CMP, a unit of Avangrid, to offer perks to towns that are willing to host the transmission lines.

“I don’t care who’s paying for it, you’re coming through our towns, you need to make sure we’re getting something from it,” said Saviello told the Journal.

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