Regulators wrong to roll back Maine solar policy

Media Contacts
Laura Dorle

Environment Maine

AUGUSTA, ME – On Tuesday, the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) ruled to roll back the state’s keystone rooftop solar program, net metering. Under the new rules, Maine residents who install solar after January 1, 2018 will receive less credit for the extra energy they send back to the power grid.

Environment Maine campaigns director Laura Dorle issued the following statement:

“With Maine nearly last for solar installed in New England, it is wrong for regulators to roll back solar policies that work.

“Studies show that solar delivers valuable benefits to society, the environment and all energy users. Solar is pollution-free, has no fuel cost and eliminates the need for dirty power plants and expensive transmission lines. 

“Providing full credit to residential solar customers for the energy they produce will continue to drive the growth of solar in Maine. Unfortunately, this action by the Public Utilities Commission will do just the opposite.

“We urge the legislature to act swiftly to restore good solar policy for Maine’s future.”

 

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Environment Maine is a state-wide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization working for clean air, clean water and open space.