News

New Solar Customers to Face Fewer Incentives

New Solar Customers to Face Fewer Incentives

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)   Maine regulators can move ahead on plans to gradually provide fewer bill credits for new buyers of solar panels.

A House vote Tuesday killed a bill aiming to lessen the impact of the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s proposal to ramp down compensation for new solar panel owners. Supporters say the bill would prohibit regulators from charging solar customers a fee for generated power used in homes or businesses.

The House’s 96-50 vote wasn’t enough to override Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s veto. The Senate recently overrode the veto.

Solar installers say the regulations would dissuade residents and small businesses from installing panels. A lawsuit claiming the regulations amount to a new tax is pending in state court.

LePage has said utility regulators should have gotten rid of financial incentives altogether.

Latest Headlines

4 hours ago in Local

Maine Legislature Passes Bill to Study Costs of Climate Change

The bill passed mostly on party lines this week

5 hours ago in Local

Judge Gives DOJ Access to Maine Sports Rosters, But Not List of Transgender Athletes

The judge questioned the motivation of the federal request for information on transgender athletes.

8 hours ago in Local

Motorcyclist killed in 3-vehicle crash in Raymond

A motorcyclist was killed in a three-vehicle in crash in Raymond on Monday evening.

8 hours ago in Local

New data show most ICE detainees in Maine immigration sweep did not have criminal convictions

New data shows only a fraction of nearly 200 people arrested during January’s immigration enforcement surge in Maine had criminal convictions.

19 hours ago in Local, National

A Build America, Buy America law is causing construction delays

It has a catchy name — Build America, Buy America — and the lauded goal of bringing manufacturing jobs back…