The July 28 BDN cover story on solar energy in Maine shows how the Public Utility Commission continues to manipulate ratepayers with the use of the term “subsidy.” The PUC characterizes net metering as a subsidy to those with solar panels who sell back electric to the grid at the same price that they buy it.  Studies have shown solar produced electric is a bargain for all ratepayers, because replacement costs from other sources would be nearly double. We should be thanking those homeowners who have installed solar and have used their personal resources to create a clean energy future for our state.   

The PUC should stop going after the little guy in Maine. The real subsidy that all citizens should be concerned about is the decision by the PUC to stick electric ratepayers with a $75M per year bill for 10 years to build a natural gas pipeline through Maine. This is Big Energy at work in our state. Governor LePage, Senate President Mike Thibodeau, and others are double dealing the public when they support ratepayers paying to expand a natural gas pipeline through Maine—yet rail against solar net metering. 

Why should ratepayers subsidize the natural gas pipeline expansion— one that credible studies demonstrate is not needed and will not provide cost savings in Maine? Where are the long terms jobs for Mainers in the pipeline plan? Where is the conscience of decision- makers who support energy produced from fracking, a practice that uses precious land and water recklessly and sends jobs and profits out of state to big energy companies.  

We have a thriving energy industry right here, one that produces good paying local jobs using Maine-grown solar energy.  A well thought-out bill had the broad based support of utilities, Maine solar companies, and environmentalists in the last legislative session. But when push came to shove to override Gov. LePage’s veto, Senator Thibodeau was silent and the utilities did not bring their formidable lobbying machine to advocate for the override.   

We need a PUC that sees a different future from the one lobbyists for Big Energy push in Augusta. Let’s bring some balance to our energy policy by electing Jonathan Fulford to the State Senate in November.  He will work tirelessly for a fairly priced, clean energy future.  He will bring citizens and local Maine businesses to the table when important energy decisions are before the PUC.  He will support solar legislation that will help grow our Maine economy.

Elizabeth Reid lives in Belfast