Maine PUC to examine future design of stateʻs electrical system

The Maine Public Utilities Commission is conducting an investigation that examines the future design and operation of the electric distribution system in the state.

The investigation seeks to determine the best way to accommodate increasing amounts of renewable energy, including solar installations and energy storage, and substantial load growth with increasing electrification of the heating and transportation sectors.

“To address climate change in the years ahead, we will be placing new demands on our electric distribution system, and we must assess how to modernize the grid at the lowest cost for Maine people,” Commission Chairman Philip Bartlett said. “Recent issues related to interconnection of distributed resources highlight both the challenges we face and the urgency of the need for effective planning. We are at the beginning of a period of significant transition, and we must seize the opportunity to modernize our grid to support beneficial electrification, integrate more renewable resources, and improve reliability.”

The investigation will focus on the distribution systems of both Central Maine Power Company and Versant Power. It will also address information transparency issues so that developers and other entities, including the Efficiency Maine Trust, can assess system needs and opportunities. Further, the investigation will consider opportunities to create a more flexible system to adapt to changing uses and needs.

As a first step, the commission will retain electrical engineering and consulting services to conduct the comprehensive examination. After that, the consultants will submit a report on their findings and recommendations. The commission will then explore the issues and provide opportunities for input and feedback on the recommendations.