Environmental and consumer advocates told the Maine PUC that a recently proposed rulemaking on utility performance does not satisfy current climate laws.

Stakeholders debated Maine Gov. Janet Mills’ new utility accountability bill in a public hearing before the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.

A new bill from Gov. Janet Mills would set performance standards for the state’s electric utilities, with fees and possible divestiture for non-compliance.

DEP Commissioner Melanie Loyzim determined that new statutory changes in Maine would prevent the developers of NECEC from building the line as permitted.

Maine’s OSW Port Infrastructure Feasibility study evaluated the Port of Searsport and found Sears Island and Mack Point were the best options for development.

Avangrid is “focused on defeating” a ballot referendum designed to halt construction of the NECEC transmission line, CEO Dennis Arriola said.

Maine says its small-scale offshore wind array will offer critical research opportunities and experience with floating turbine technology.

Celina Cunningham with the Governor’s Energy Office says it would be difficult for Maine to meet its statutory goal of 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030.

Vermont and Maine will put $136 million in federal aid into climate and energy initiatives; Massachusetts is looking to spend $400 million on those sectors.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills said a bill to replace the state’s investor-owned utilities was “hastily” drafted and needs a “full airing.”