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Poll results

Sponsored by: GoNetspeed, a fiber internet provider

On Election Day, just five weeks away, Mainers will be asked whether the state should buy out Central Maine Power and Versant Power and replace them with a customer-owned, nonprofit utility.

Backers say the new entity, dubbed Pine Tree Power and overseen by a publicly elected board, would deliver lower-cost, more reliable electricity.

Opponents including CMP, Versant and Gov. Janet Mills dispute that claim, and point out that Maine would have to borrow billions of dollars in order to take over the two investor-owned companies.

There's disagreement about other points, too. Pine Tree Power supporters cite examples of consumer-owned utilities that have successfully reduced electric rates and improved service. However, the examples involve small, local utilities; no other state has placed control of its entire electric system under a single operator.

For good or bad, passing the Pine Tree Power referendum would mean profound changes for Maine businesses and consumers.

Do you favor the proposal to replace CMP and Versant with a publicly controlled utility, Pine Tree Power?
Yes, I support the creation of Pine Tree Power (16%, 97 VOTES)
No, I do not support the creation of Pine Tree Power (77%, 477 VOTES)
I'm weighing the question, but haven't decided (6%, 40 VOTES)
I don't know enough about the issue (1%, 7 VOTES)
Poll Description

Sponsored by: GoNetspeed, a fiber internet provider

On Election Day, just five weeks away, Mainers will be asked whether the state should buy out Central Maine Power and Versant Power and replace them with a customer-owned, nonprofit utility.

Backers say the new entity, dubbed Pine Tree Power and overseen by a publicly elected board, would deliver lower-cost, more reliable electricity.

Opponents including CMP, Versant and Gov. Janet Mills dispute that claim, and point out that Maine would have to borrow billions of dollars in order to take over the two investor-owned companies.

There's disagreement about other points, too. Pine Tree Power supporters cite examples of consumer-owned utilities that have successfully reduced electric rates and improved service. However, the examples involve small, local utilities; no other state has placed control of its entire electric system under a single operator.

For good or bad, passing the Pine Tree Power referendum would mean profound changes for Maine businesses and consumers.

  • 621 Votes
  • 8 Comments
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8 Comments

  • October 2, 2023

    It's not just the thought of government takeover of private enterprise, it is the fact that it is illegal for government to compete with a private entity when the bottomless supply of taxpayer money can undermine the concept of fair competition. In fact, it creates a state owned monopoly. Put that in your antitrust pistol and fire.

  • Tony Payne
    October 2, 2023

    Why should a state and its voters be allowed to take privately held companies? That's the question that should scare the devil out of all Maine people. Simply by allowing this question on the ballot, the people behind this referendum have jeopardized Maine's reputation as a place to run a business. I hope we all reject this dangerous policy.

  • October 2, 2023

    why would I want the government to get involved with supplying my electricity? I think our government local and federal are too big as it is. I don't want them controlling more stuff especially something as important as our electricity supply. NO THANKS