Energy

Maine's energy environment has improved dramatically in the past few years with the restructuring of the electric utility industry and the completion of two natural gas pipeline projects from Canada.  In addition, Maine is developing a significant clean energy sector to harness the readily available natural resources of the State and provide consumers with cheap, clean energy.  The following provides an overview of Maine’s energy infrastructure:
  •  Maine is served by three investor-owned utilities:  Central Maine Power (subsidiary of Iberdrola USA), Bangor Hydro Electric Company (subsidiary of Emera), and Maine Public Service, in addition to a handful of consumer-owned utilities (cooperatives).
  • J.D. Power and Associates recognized Central Maine Power as number one in the East for electric utility business customer satisfaction.  The East Region includes all eastern seaboard states from Maine to Maryland.
  • Maine’s current Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is 30%, and currently, Maine meets or exceeds that goal.
  • Maine’s RPS will grow to 40% in 2017.
  • Maine’s RPS standards are the highest in the nation (the next highest in the nation is California, with an RPS of 33% by 2030).
  • Maine generates a larger share of its electricity from nonhydroelectric renewable resources than any other State.
  • Maine has six active wind facilities, including those located on Stetson Mountain (38 turbines and 57 megawatts); on Kibby Mountain (44 turbines and 132 megawatts); and in Mars Hill, ME with 28 turbines (42 megawatts).
  • Maine is the only New England State in which industry is the leading energy-consuming sector.
  • Maine has the highest wood and wood waste power generation capacity in the United States.