It’s been widely publicized that Maine’s “net metering” law, which has promoted the growth of a solar industry jobs and cleaner air in Maine, will expire this year.
A replacement bill, L.D. 1649, is a compromise for sure, in order to get wide support, yet it is opposed apparently by the governor and some of his allies in the Legislature. But if the bill is not passed, many of us with solar panels may leave the grid entirely, because there would be strong economic disincentives to remain on the grid.
With the price of panels and battery backup, including from Tesla, coming down each year, it may make better economic sense to increase our production and backup storage rather than to give away our electricity to Central Maine Power and other power companies.
Instead of providing needed electricity to the grid during peak hours of usage, this advantage will be lost by the power companies. Is this really what the power companies want?
Paul Hogan
Kennebunkport
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