AUGUSTA - Last week, Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation sponsored by Rep. Gerry Runte, D-York, that will modernize Maine's electric grid for the 21st century.
"LD 952 designs the future electricity grid Maine will need to achieve its climate goals, ensuring both cost efficiency and reliability for customers and the state's economy," said Runte. "We are presently transitioning toward a smarter, digitalized grid that seamlessly incorporates local electricity sources. This transition was never anticipated by our current grid design, which has remained largely unchanged over the last 100 years."
The bill directs 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 evaluates whether it is possible to design a DSO in Maine to achieve a 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.
"If Maine wants to achieve its climate goals and ensure that its distribution grids are as economical and as reliable as they can be, and 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 a far-off vision the technologies to implement a modern 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."
The GEO will present an analysis based on the consultants 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 will present part one of the consultants study to the Legislature within 60 days of the completion of part one of the study.
The new law will go into effect 90 days after final adjournment of the legislative session.
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