The newly reconfigured Maine Public Utilities Commission has voted 2-1 to reconsider two wind projects that were initially approved in December.
The Maine Public Broadcasting Network reported that the commission wants to reopen negotiations because energy costs have declined 20% since the proposals for NextEra’s wind project in Somerset County and First Wind’s project in Hancock County were first approved.
Commissioner David P. Littell, who was one of the two commissioners who approved the projects in December, voted against the proposal to reopen negotiations for the two projects, which were projected to save ratepayers between $32 million and $73 million over 20 years. Commissioners Mark Vannoy, now the PUC’s chairman, and Carlie McLean, newly appointed by Gov. Paul LePage, disagreed with Littell’s assertions that the decision to reconsider the wind projects would reflect poorly upon Maine’s regulatory authority’s reputation.
Source:Â Maine Public Broadcasting Network
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