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	Podcast:		Maine Things Considered
	Episode:		CMP Proposes $214 Million Portland-Area Electricity Infrastructure Upgrade
	Category:		Government & Organizations
	Duration:		0
	Publish Date:		2018-03-13 15:51:27
	Description:		Central Maine Power wants ratepayers to invest $200 million or more in Portland-area electricity infrastructure. But some lawmakers and the state’s utility watchdog say the company is underestimating the potential for alternatives that could be much cheaper and much better for the environment. In a recent letter to state regulators, CMP says it needs to improve grid reliability in the Portland area to meet projected electricity demand in 2025. It proposes spending $214 million on 32 miles of new power lines and to upgrade eight substations. It also acknowledges that it could shave about $16 million from the bill through unspecified “nontransmission alternatives.” “I personally had my breath taken away when I saw the disproportionate amount,” says Barry Hobbins, the state’s public advocate. Hobbins says CMP is lowballing the alternatives and relying too heavily on the costly infrastructure needed to send bulk power long distances, often from polluting generators. He wants more emphasis
	Total Play:		0