A recent op-ed by Thom Moore (“How to make electric power affordable for Maine,” Dec. 21) noted that the price of electric transmission — the major power lines — is causing sharp increases in electric rates. That’s true, and almost nothing is being done about it.
I was the chair of the multi-state, multi-utility negotiations that created New England’s single transmission grid. In the 1990s, high-voltage lines were only a small part of the bill. Over time, with congressional help, they greatly increased. After selling off their power plants, electric utilities found new and generous profit opportunities.
It’s time for Maine to take a new look at whether ISO-New England is the best deal for it. The Legislature and the PUC should review Maine’s options: New England, stand alone or tying in with the Maritime Canadian system. Relying on business as usual ignores the huge changes to the electricity system three decades after it was created.
Gordon Weil
Harpswell
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