DEMOCRATIC LEADER DIGS IN TO CONNECTION BETWEEN PUC AND GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Sen. Hill says, there’s a crisis of confidence in the PUC

AUGUSTA – Today, Assistant Democratic Leader Dawn Hill sent a Freedom of Access request to the Public Utilities Commission. In the letter, Senator Hill requests, “all public records generated, obtained, or in possession” for communication between the  Public Utilities Commissioners and staff and the governor’s office during a five month period in 2015.

Sen. Dawn Hill of York

In the letter (PUC FOAA ), Sen. Hill cites, “My intent for this request is to clarify the role of the PUC and its influencers during this recent spate of decisions. The PUC is intended to operate as an independent regulatory agency but there’s indication that perhaps some coordination and collaboration has occurred between the Executive Branch and the PUC leading to undue influence.”

She adds, “As a member of Senate leadership and the state’s Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee charged with reviewing energy issues facing our state, it is my obligation to ensure that the PUC and its Commissioners are acting in accordance with law.”

Earlier this session, in a Democratic Radio Address, Sen. Hill said that recent decisions by the PUC “portends a troubling new era” with the PUC. In it, she cites the PUC’s decision to slash energy efficiency funding even though the law clearly directed the PUC to do the opposite. In another recent decision by the PUC, Maine lost a long term energy contract as a result of the PUC’s decision to reopen the bidding process two months after the PUC approved the project.

“There is a crisis of confidence in the PUC,” said Sen. Hill of York. “Their job is simply too impactful to look the other way when they upend law, data, and common sense simply to play politics with Maine people and our wallets.”

Hill has been an outspoken watchdog in the Legislature, leading the early inquiry into wrong-doing at the Maine Turnpike Authority.

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