AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) A proposal to replace power companies in Maine with a consumer-owned utility has passed a test in the Maine Legislature.
Critics of the two biggest power companies in the state, Versant and Central Maine Power, want to replace the companies with a new utility called Pine Tree Power Company. The Maine House of Representatives passed the proposal by a count of 76-64 on Tuesday.
The proposal would ultimately allow residents of the state to vote on whether they want to create the new nonprofit utility. Supporters of the move have said they were motivated to propose it by high power costs and frequent outages.
Democratic Rep. Seth Berry said the approval in the House means “Maine ratepayers are one step closer to more affordable, more reliable, cleaner and Maine-operated power.”
The power companies have pushed back at the proposal. Versant’s president, John Flynn, has said the change would have consequences, such as disrupting the utility’s fight against climate change.
The proposal will face more votes in the Maine Legislature. It would also need the backing of Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, who has expressed skepticism of the proposal.
