large increase in power rates

[Fooey]

Originally Posted by nm9stheham

Is this the outfit you are referring to? Maine Solar

No, sorry I said Maine Solar but should have said Community Solar. It looks like Maine Solar is a company that installs panels on your home that you would buy and own, like for off-grid. I'm referring to a community solar program, like this one: https://maine.nexamp.com or like this (this is an interesting site, it shows all the solar farms in your vicinity) https://communitysolar.energysage.com

Just to be clear, I'm not opposed to these programs. Green is good, and of course I want to save money too. I'm just skeptical of adding yet another bill and potentially getting locked into something.

[nm9stheham]

Ok, tnx. I have been trying to figure the new Maine legislation for the community solar systems, and whose interests are what, etc. As far as I can see so far:
- A large part of this is about business opportunities to sell equipment and systems, and the overall benefit or detriment to the power system is yet to be understood.
- A lot of advocacy is involved, but again, with no real firm idea on the outcome; the very likely prospects of higher rates in the end is being swept under the rug by such advocates.
- The PUC appears to be seeing the big picture a lot better, and so will get slammed when they 'call it like they see it' and try to put the real costs into the picture.

In CA, the actual costs of the numerous connections to the grid from small/tiny Soler setups is now being recognized, and rate reductions in what is paid for such small power generation are being proposed. The argument is being advanced that those small generators are having their rates subsidized st the expense of the rest of the users..... Which is the reality. The reaction is predictable: the small solar generation proponents are screaming bloody murder....

[OutdoorLover]

Originally Posted by roadrat

It should be noted that CMP has nothing to do with the power generation side of the bill, This rate spike is basically from inflation and the high price of Nat Gas.

Yes.

"Average wholesale gas prices in September were 208 percent higher than a year earlier based on an index linked to pipeline delivery points in Massachusetts, according to the region’s grid operator, ISO-New England. And so-called “forward prices” for wholesale gas to be delivered this January and February are exceptionally high.

A contributing factor is inadequate pipeline capacity in the region to serve both heating needs and power plants on the coldest winter days. Environmental groups and public opposition have stalled pipeline expansion in recent years.

To keep the lights on during hours of peak demand, the grid operator may need to call on backup power plants that burn oil, such as Wyman Station in Yarmouth. The region also may take more deliveries of liquefied natural gas from an import terminal in New Brunswick, Canada. Both options are more costly and drive up market prices, Silkman said. Ultimately, they are reflected in the supply bids offered to the PUC."
https://www.pressherald.com/2021/11/...tes-next-year/