Maine electric customers could shell out $40 million to finance a major power line upgrade in New Hampshire over the objection of consumer advocates.
Maine Public Advocate William Harwood said a $400 million electric transmission development by energy company Eversource is unnecessary and too expensive.
The company plans to upgrade a 49-mile power corridor with metal poles and other improvements.
But the New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee overseeing the development ruled Harwood’s office had no place in the matter since the committee has no authority to set electric rates.
Harwood said that Maine consumers should have a voice in whether the development is prudent and reasonable. Now that his office’s move to intervene has been denied he’s not sure how it can meaningfully oppose costs that may be tacked onto Maine electric bills.
“I think at this point we’re struggling with what the next step is, there’s no easy answer,” Harwood said.
Maine and other New England states share the cost of transmission lines under rules from the regional grid operator.
A representative for the site evaluation committee declined to comment.
This article appears through a media partnership with Maine Public.
