DEM LAWMAKER COMMITTED TO PUSHING SOLAR STUDY FINDINGS

Posted: March 06, 2015 | Energy, Utilities and Technology, Senator Hill

Sen. Hill says, “It’s time for Maine to hop on board…”

AUGUSTA –Earlier this week, Maine’s Public Utilities Commission released a solar power study showing enormous benefits for Maine energy consumers.

Sen. Dawn Hill of York

Sen. Dawn Hill of York

“This study confirms that solar energy provides tremendous benefit to energy consumers and our environment,” said Assistant Democratic Leader Dawn Hill of York who serves on the state’s Energy, Utility, and Technology Committee. “Unfortunately, Maine is the only state in New England without effective policies to encourage solar. Armed with data, now is the time for Maine to hop on board in making this a cost-effective energy option.”

The study finds that the value of solar power produced in Maine is 33 cents per kilowatt-hour. However, customers who put solar panels on their roofs only receive a credit on their bill worth about 13 cents/kilowatt-hour. Additionally, the analysis shows:

  • Reduced electricity prices, due to displacing more expensive power sources;

  • Less air and climate pollution;

  • Reduced costs for our electric “grid” system;

  • Reduced need to build more power plants to meet peak demand; and

  • More stable prices and greater energy security from a diversified energy supply.

According to a 2010 report, rooftop solar panels alone could provide 24% of Maine’s electricity.

“Most Mainers will tell you that they’d love to get off oil; but that’s hard to do when Maine is one of the most oil-dependent states in the nation. Solar provides us with another option–one that is clean and plentiful,” said Senator Hill. “Many Maine businesses say volatile electricity rates hurt their competitiveness. The study suggests solar can help by providing a stable, local resource for power. As a member of the Energy Committee, I am committed to working on this issue and making sure people and businesses can have access to solar.”

Maine spends $5 billion per year importing fossil fuels and is the most petroleum-dependent state for home heating, with more than 70% of households using it as their primary heating source. The state is also more dependent on imported natural gas for power than any other resource. All of which puts us at the mercy of regional or even global oil and gas markets.

In the last five years, prices for solar panels have dropped by more than 50 percent. With a 35-year lifespan and 25-year warranty, growth in the solar industry grew by more than 100 percent in 2014.

The study was the result of legislation (LD 1652) passed last year by then-Senator Eloise Vitelli which directed the Public Utilities Commission to conduct an analysis of the quantifiable value that distributed solar in Maine would provide.

The state’s Energy, Utility, and Technology Committee is expected to review the PUC’s solar study findings in the coming weeks.

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