HOULTON, Maine — A new downtown Houlton electrical power upgrade would relieve the strain on an at-capacity pole-mounted transformer and give local businesses and housing developments an opportunity to grow.
Houlton town councilors will vote on that proposal at their next meeting on Jan. 26, after they met this week and agreed that downtown businesses would benefit from the addition of a $60,000 Padmount 300kV 3-phase transformer, including labor.
Currently, there are four downtown properties serviced by one transformer, but because it is maxed out, housing developments and local businesses are unable to upgrade aging electrical systems for increased capacity and efficiency, said Johanna Johnston, executive director of the Southern Aroostook Development Corp.
“The Padmount transformer not only increases load capacity but also fortifies the electrical infrastructure for future development,” Johnston explained to the council. “With enhanced electrical support, property owners would be encouraged to further improve and develop these historic structures, adding both economic value and vitality to the district.”
If approved for the northwest quadrant of Houlton’s downtown TIF district — which includes the Temple Theater — the four-by-four mount will be located behind the theater and triple the downtown district’s current electric capacity.
Johnston, who requested the council consider the Padmount, also asked that it be paid for with tax increment financing funds to keep costs down and not burden taxpayers.
Tax increment financing is meant for upgrading infrastructure and increasing the taxable value of the improved properties, which brings funds back into the TIF account, she said.
“One of our competitive advantages to bringing business here is our low cost of electricity,” Johnston said. “By funding this with TIF funds, it also prevents the cost from being transferred to the customers and also maintains our competitive edge.”
According to Greg Sherman who heads the Houlton Water Co., the Padmount would increase capacity without adding another pole and more above ground wires, and it would be easier to maintain.
Upgrading to a Padmount would also strengthen the town’s reliability, Johnston added. It is a more modern system that reduces outages and can be upgraded.
If the council approves the upgrade this month, the town would install it this spring, Sherman said.
