PUC issues request for proposals under Vitelli law to increase renewable energy in Maine

AUGUSTA — The Maine Public Utilities Commission has issued a request for proposals for renewable sources of energy. This request has been issued in response to a bill sponsored by Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic — LD 1494, “An Act To Reform Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard” — that was passed into law last year.

This request for proposals represents the first major step toward reaching Maine’s renewable energy goals. LD 1494 sets the goal of reaching 80 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.

“I’m very excited to see this step in the process come to fruition,” said Sen. Vitelli. “By pursuing renewable energy sources, we not only put ourselves on a path to energy independence, we also make significant strides in protecting our natural resource-based economy. This is a move that will bring millions of dollars in renewable energy investments into our state.”

Contracts will be for a term of 20 years, unless the PUC finds a contract for a longer term to be prudent. It is slated to be the largest green energy procurement in state history. 

Proposals are due by April 10, 2020. More information about the request for proposals can be found online at: www.maine.gov/mpuc/electricity/rfps/class1a2020/.