A recent vote by lawmakers in Maine clears a path for a ballot question this year in which state residents will consider replacing investor-owned utilities in Maine with a statewide, consumer-owned utility called Pine Tree Power.
“After hearing from Mainers, many of whom took the time to emphasize their support for Pine Tree Power, the Energy, Utilities and Technology committee voted to send the initiative on,” a group called Our Power said. Our Power was formed to support the creation of the state public power utility. The vote will lead to the question ending up on the ballot unamended.
The Energy, Utilities and Technology committee is a joint standing committee of the Maine State Senate.
After updated language from the Maine Secretary of State, the initiative will be headed to the ballot. Voters will be asked, "Do you want to create a new power company governed by an elected board to acquire and operate existing for-profit electricity transmission and distribution facilities in Maine?"
