PORTLAND (AP) — Utility Central Maine Power Co. wants customers who generate some of their own electricity from renewable sources to pay higher monthly service charges, an idea being resisted by renewable energy advocates.
CMP said its plan would help cover the overall cost of service while keeping such customers on the grid even if they don’t need power all the time. Advocates of solar and wind power say the so-called standby charge would kill the economics of investing in renewable sources and run counter to state policy of encouraging renewable energy development.
The Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/1enMkU4 ) reported that about 1,000 of CMP’s customers have installed solar arrays or wind turbines
The debate is part of a rate case before the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
Public hearings are scheduled for April 2 and 3.
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