Appealing to the independent spirit of Mainers, I write to support the proposed Pine Tree Power Co,, reported in your article of April 19.

Maine’s response to the need to transition to renewable sources of energy set out in “Maine Won’t Wait,” the manifesto of the Maine Climate Council, offers a major opportunity for Mainers to own not only the utilities that deliver our power but also many of the sources of that power. The revolution at hand not only is technical but also provides for a transformation in the political and economic ownership and control of our energy.

With the advantages of solar- and wind-generated electricity, we can develop much of the power we need through community- and citizen-owned arrays and follow the example of Pine Tree Power Co. in creating consumer-owned utility scale plants.

Let us be clear, the sharks of big business are already circling the state and making initial forays, trying to ensure that the profits from our energy resources are pocketed by wealthy owners out of state and often out of country.

The Maine Legislature, with fine leadership from Rep. Seth Berry and others, is alive to both the risks and opportunities the energy revolution offers. Let us support their efforts to ensure that we keep control of our own resources.

Robin Ladkin
Harpswell