AUGUSTA - On Wednesday, a majority of the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee voted to advance legislation from Rep. Gerry Runte, D-York, that would design a 21st-century electric grid.
"LD 952 will design the architecture for the 21st-century electricity delivery system Maine needs to achieve its climate goals, while assuring the lowest cost and highest reliability for customers and the states economy," said Runte. "We are transitioning to a smarter, digitalized grid and integrating local electricity sources, a transition that last centurys grid design and regulatory structure were never meant to accommodate."
The bill would direct the Governors Energy Office (GEO) to hire a third-party consultant to conduct a two-part study for the design of a distribution system operator (DSO) in Maine. A DSO would function in Maine much like the existing independent system operator of the New England region, ISO New England, whose role is electric grid operation, market administration and power system planning.
Part one of the study would evaluate whether it is possible to design a DSO in Maine to achieve a demonstrable reduction in electricity costs for customers, improve electric system reliability and performance in the state, and meet Maine's climate goals and growth of distributed energy resources at an accelerated rate. If possible, and the GEO agrees, the consultant would then proceed to design the DSO.
The GEO would present an analysis based on the consultant's DSO design to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2025. Otherwise, if the consultant finds it is not possible to design a DSO meeting the required objectives stated above, the GEO would present part one of the consultants study to the Legislature within 60 days of the completion of part one of the study.
"If Maine wants to achieve its climate goals and ensure that its distribution grids are as economical and as reliable as they can be, if Maine wants its electric grid to serve its citizens and attract new business to the state, it needs to adopt a different perspective as to how its electricity delivery system operates, is controlled and regulated," said Runte. "This is not some far-off vision the technologies to implement a multidirectional, interactive, transactional grid are readily available. What's needed is a solid plan, the will to execute it and the willingness to become a leader in grid modernization."
LD 952 will move to the full Legislature for consideration in the coming weeks.
Runte, a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, is serving his first term in the Maine House and represents Ogunquit, Wells and York.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Runte], c. 305-965-2744