Maine has options for leaving (New England) power pool

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/070119puc.html

Maine has alternatives to remaining part of New England's electric power pool, an interim study by the Maine Public Utilities Commission has concluded.

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That frustration came to a head recently when federal energy regulators imposed charges on the entire region to help increase generation in southern New England, where there aren't enough power plants. The charge is estimated to cost Maine consumers $300 million over the next four years. The state is fighting the decision in federal court.

Maine is a net exporter of electricity. With that in mind, Gov. John Baldacci asked the PUC last year to look into the costs, benefits, legal issues and options of leaving ISO-New England.

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Two key findings support the PUC's conclusion that options exist. One is that Maine is getting a bad deal because of the way transmission costs are allocated and generation is priced. The PUC calculated that Maine consumers will pay $616 million to other states over the next five years.

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