New law benefits HWC and other consumer-owned utilities

    AUGUSTA – Gov. John E. Baldacci signed LD 844, “An Act To Reduce Costs for Customers of Northern Maine Consumer Owned Utilities.” The law allows consumer-owned electric utilities in northern Maine to sell their excess electricity.
    “Having this ability to sell excess electricity will enable the utility to offset operational costs and thus save consumers money,” Gov. Baldacci said. “My Administration has been looking for some time to connect Aroostook County to the rest of the New England grid. In the interim, this is a common-sense way to ensure that utilities in The County can reduce costs to consumers.”
    Some of the utilities the law will allow to sell the excess generation of electricity include Eastern Maine Cooperative, Houlton Water Company and Van Buren Light and Power.
    Bill sponsor Rep. Richard Cleary (D-Houlton) was at the ceremonial signing along with a number of co-sponsors and supporters.
SIGNING – Gov. John E. Baldacci (seated) talks with Rep. Richard Cleary (D-Houlton) before  signing LD 844, An Act To Reduce Costs for Customers of Northern Maine Consumer Owned Utilities.”