Pine Tree Power informational program May 21

In November, Mainers will have the opportunity to approve a ballot measure that would create the Pine Tree Power Company, a nonprofit, consumer-owned utility.

On Sunday, May 21, at 1 p.m., the Midcoast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and the Maine UU State Advocacy Network (MUUSAN) will host an informational program about Pine Tree Power at the Midcoast Friends Meeting House in Damariscotta.

The consumer-owned Pine Tree Power would replace Central Maine Power (CMP) and Versant, which are both investor-owned utilities. The goal of Pine Tree Power is to provide reliable, affordable electric transmission and distribution services and to help the state meet its climate, energy, and connectivity goals in the most rapid and affordable manner possible.

Last year CMP reported nearly $200 million in profits. “If we had a nonprofit, consumer-owned utility, that money could go to lower peoples’ electricity rates and better support our electricity grid,” said Jill Linzee of New Harbor, volunteer chair of MUUSAN’s climate action issue group.

The May 21 event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. The Midcoast Friends Meeting House is at 77 Belvedere Road in Damariscotta.

For more information, email uumidcoast@gmail.com or see the Midcoast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship’s Facebook page.