Proposals sought in Maine's largest-ever green-energy procurement

Courtesy / Novatus Energy The Maine Public Utilities Commission is calling for proposals to provide renewable energy or energy credits, in accordance with targets set in new legislation.

Write a Comment

By Renee Cordes

The Maine Public Utilities Commission is seeking proposals for the sale of energy or renewable energy credits in what the commission says is the largest procurement of its kind in the state's history.

Initial proposals are due by April 10.

An official request for proposals, issued last week, represents the first major step towards the state meeting new renewable energy goals embodied in recently enacted legislation.

The new law, LD 1494, "An Act to Reform Maine's Renewable Energy Portfolio," was sponsored by state Rep. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, the assistant Senate majority leader.

The legislation sets a goal for Maine to get 80% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, up from 40% today, and 100% by 2050.

The law also requires the PUC to procure long-term contracts for new clean energy generation, which may be paired with advanced energy storage.

"I’m very excited to see this step in the process come to fruition,” said Vitelli. “By pursuing renewable energy sources, we not only put ourselves on a path to energy independence, we also make significant strides in protecting our natural resource-based economy. This is a move that will bring millions of dollars in renewable energy investments into our state.”

Contracts will be for a term of 20 years, unless the commission decides on one for a longer period.

"This is the largest renewable energy procurement in Maine’s history and the first to prioritize energy storage," Mills said in an emailed statement. "This is significant step forward for Maine’s energy future, for combating climate change and for growing Maine’s economy.”

More information about the request for proposals is available online.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission, which is based in Hallowell, regulates electric, telephone, water and gas utilities across the state. The three-member panel also regulates water taxis and ferries in Casco Bay.