Dec 05, 2017
… “The takeaway is that the PUC is realizing that this kind of Frankenstein that they’ve created is a lot more difficult to implement than they would have thought, and raises a whole host of policy and fairness issues, never mind technical issues,” said Sean Mahoney, executive vice president of the Conservation Law Foundation. “But… Continue reading With court case looming, Maine regulators delay changes to solar power credit system
Dec 05, 2017
Maine’s rooftop solar installers won a four-month reprieve Tuesday when the Maine Public Utilities Commission voted to delay implementation of a rule on how people who install new systems next year will be compensated for electricity they feed into the grid. … Led by the Conservation Law Foundation, clean-energy advocates are challenging the PUC’s net-energy… Continue reading Solar advocates get reprieve from controversial rule in advance of lawsuit ruling
Dec 05, 2017
“This senseless rule jeopardizes the growth of clean, local solar energy in Maine,” said CLF Maine Director Sean Mahoney. “Today the PUC pulled back to avoid an inevitable catastrophe. But delaying implementation doesn’t fix the fact that this rule hurts businesses and families, hampers our energy independence, and harms one of the fastest growing sectors of Maine’s economy. We need to eliminate this disastrous policy, not just procrastinate its implementation.”
Aug 15, 2017
“The new rule penalizes homeowners and businesses that generate solar energy, hampering our opportunities to increase energy independence, reduce electricity costs and support one of the fastest growing sectors in Maine’s economy,” said CLF Executive Vice President Sean Mahoney. “This LePage-appointed commission wants us to believe that charging Mainers for the energy we generate in our own homes is just and fair, but we’re not falling for it. If this rule remains on the books, it will undermine state policy and threaten an industry already providing hundreds of good jobs across our state.”
Aug 07, 2017
In a stunning walk backwards, the Maine legislature failed again to override Governor LePage’s veto of legislation that would have supported solar progress in Maine. Passed in June, the bipartisan bill would have helped create stability in the state’s solar marketplace by ensuring that solar panel customers are fairly compensated for the power they produce… Continue reading The Fight for Solar in Maine Continues
Aug 02, 2017
“Today’s failure is one that has a direct impact on the wallets of businesses and families across our state,” said CLF attorney Emily Green. “Despite the bill’s overwhelming passage in June and widespread public support, clean energy in Maine has once again fallen victim to Governor LePage’s and utilities’ anti-progress stance. Regardless of this regressive decision by the legislature, CLF will continue fighting to ensure that solar power has a bright future in Maine.”
Jul 07, 2017
UPDATE: On July 10th, Governor LePage vetoed Maine’s solar bill. We’re urging the legislature to override the veto. You can take action by sending your legislator a message asking them to stand strong for solar, here. We expect the vote before the end of the month, and we need as many people to reach out… Continue reading UPDATED: Maine Solar Bill Passes: One Step Closer to Solar Progress in Maine
Jun 30, 2017
A big decision on solar makes cuts to net metering in the Granite State, but creates a clean energy path with the potential to transform the state’s energy planning.
Jun 28, 2017
“When the PUC tried to gut solar energy programs across our state, it did so in direct defiance of public opinion and economic opportunity,” said CLF attorney Emily Green. “Today, the state legislature stood on the side of all Mainers and righted this wrong. Good solar policy creates jobs, lowers energy prices, and protects our air and water, and we thank all those who fought for progress and today prevailed.”
Jun 26, 2017
“This decision includes cuts to an important program for clean energy in the Granite State and is far from perfect. However, it provides a framework to ensure New Hampshire doesn’t fall behind in the clean energy economy,” said CLF attorney Melissa Birchard. “Thanks to a clean energy roadmap proposed by CLF and others, the PUC will launch an effort to document the many benefits that rooftop solar and other local, clean energy offers New Hampshire families and businesses. At the same time, the PUC will initiate pilot programs to demonstrate the untapped ways that innovative technologies can save us all money and strengthen the electric grid. We are optimistic that this new policy will put our state on a path to cleaner, healthier and safer communities for years to come.”
