Pineo Girl's Blog (145)

Why destroy thousands of miles of ridge lines and mountain tops when we could be using hydro??

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/canadian-rivers-solution-northeasts-high-energy-prices-32835482

Thank You PUC - for understanding that when it comes to wind - Church and state have been separated!! I think there may be hope!

https://bangordailynews.com/2015/07/29/business/maine-regulators-nix-cmp-land-deal-for-wind-farm/

Patriot Renewables takes a page from First Wind to try to make people think wind is a good thing!

http://www.sunjournal.com/news/connections/0001/11/30/source-sea-releases-update-announces-upcoming-events/1752185

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is interested in Hydro power and has file legislation to that effect  - This is good news considering it can reduce the price of renewable energy credits that wind companies now sell for more than they sell electricity.…

I know we have already been paying for transmission upgrades!  But how are Bangor Hydro customers going to bear the brunt of this?

https://bangordailynews.com/2015/06/30/business/power-bills-to-go-up-for-bangor-hydro-customers/

ISO New England is retiring more energy plants and looking to Maine to provide more energy, but openly states that Maine lacks the transmission infrastructure.  Are we supposed to foot the bill?  We are already being told new transmission lines are for us! Really??

http://www.ect.coop/editors-pick/challenges-loom-as-new-england-plants-retire/82516

LD 828 Passes Maine House and Senate

http://www.pressherald.com/2015/06/22/lawmakers-pass-bill-to-let-some-maine-residents-ask-out-of-wind-permiting-areas/

One step in the right direction - Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this happen!!!

http://www.wbjournal.com/article/20150619/NEWS01/150619931/iso-power-use-rose-prices-fell-in-may

With energy prices so low how can wind developers pay the debt service on projects?  Oh wait! There are renewable energy credits to sell - at over $50.00 a MW hour!  Without a single electron leaving Maine!  Hmmm - Wasn't Paul Gaynor one of Deval Patrick's energy advisers?  And…

We were fortunate to have Diane Russell removed from the EUT Committee but she is still out there shilling for wind - with any possible rationale!

http://news.mpbn.net/post/bill-aims-restore-public-hearings-siting-wind-projects

This may be unfortunate for Bruce Williamson, an excellent candidate!

http://bangordailynews.com/2015/06/03/politics/vote-imminent-on-puc-nominee-amid-crisis-of-confidence/

Governor LePage's nomination of Bruce Williamson as PUC Commissioner was table by a party line 7-6 vote today.

The confirmation hearing of Bruce Williamson. the economist from Tennessee recommended by Governor LePage to fill the PUC seat vacated by David Littell, is today at 1:00 pm in the EUT Committee.  Tune in!!

Dixfield's wind ordinance decibel levels considered Low.

http://www.sunjournal.com/news/river-valley/2015/05/27/dixfield-gets-legal-opinion-wind-law/1714039

Emera announces contract awards for its Cape Sharp Tidal project.  What about tidal power for Maine?

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150525005158/en/Cape-Sharp-Tidal-Partners-Award-Contracts-Nova#.VWScDM9Viko

ISO-New England  reports - Wholesale energy prices down - Renewable energy credits still up!

http://www.wbjournal.com/article/20150522/NEWS01/150529966/1002

Some Maine lawmakers are calling for a cabinet level Energy Department. Would you go out for a search for the Commissioner?  Please!!!

http://www.sunjournal.com/news/maine/2015/05/24/gop-push-state-department-energy-highlights-desire-lower-maines-energy-costs/1705900

No longer under her bosses thumb - Is Carlisle McLean stepping out on her own??  I hope not!!

http://bangordailynews.com/2015/05/20/business/puc-gives-conditional-ok-on-long-term-wind-deal/

The work session on LD 1329, An Act to Maximize the Benefits of Renewable Energy in Maine will be held by the Energy Utilities and Technology Committee tomorrow in room 211 of the Cross Building, Augusta at 2:00 pm. If you can't attend, listen in on the Maine EUT Committee web page.

Emera Maine has a new President and COO to pursue "smart" grid technology.

http://bangordailynews.com/2015/05/15/business/emera-shakes-up-leadership-to-pursue-smart-grid-development/

LD 911 was voted out of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee with a unanimous ought to pass.  Unfortunately two important sections were removed - The 15 mile visual impact requirement and the inclusion of great ponds and sporting camps.  When I asked one of the Committee members why these were removed he told me that no one spoke up in favor of those two sections of the bill.  There are several scenic areas still named in the bill - Baxter State Park, the Allagash Wilderness…