Sen. Vitelli, Rep. Terry attend groundbreaking ceremony for energy storage project in Gorham

Posted: February 12, 2024 | Senator Vitelli
From left: Mark Tourangeau, Plus Power Chief Revenue Officer; Dan Burgess of the Governor’s Energy Office; Sen. Vitelli; Gorham City Councilor Lee Pratt; and Rep. Terry at the Cross Town groundbreaking
From left: Mark Tourangeau, Plus Power Chief Revenue Officer; Dan Burgess of the Governor’s Energy Office; Sen. Vitelli; Gorham City Councilor Lee Pratt; and Rep. Terry  at the Cross Town groundbreaking

AUGUSTA — On Monday, Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, and Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, attended a groundbreaking ceremony for Cross Town Energy Storage in Gorham. 

“Energy storage is a vital part of our energy independence goals for Maine. With projects like Cross Town, Maine ratepayers will see more reliable energy supply, and decreased costs as energy stored during low-use times can be dispersed during high-use times — which perfectly compliments our expanded use of wind and solar energy,” said Sen. Vitelli. “It was wonderful to attend this groundbreaking ceremony, and get a glimpse of the future of Maine’s energy independence.”

“This project is huge for Gorham, and for all of Maine,” said Rep. Terry. “By drawing and storing energy from the grid during off-peak times and releasing it back onto the grid when demand is up, the project will enhance grid reliability and help keep costs low for ratepayers. It will also reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, expand the tax base for our district and create more jobs right here in Gorham. It’s truly a win at all levels.”

Sen. Vitelli (left) and Rep. Terry at the Cross Town groundbreaking

In 2023, Sen. Vitelli sponsored LD 1850, “An Act Relating to Energy Storage and the State’s Energy Goals,” which supported Maine’s energy independence goals by updating the state’s energy storage development rules. Gov. Janet Mills’ climate action plan, Maine Won’t Wait, identifies energy storage as a key factor in achieving emissions reduction goals and maximizing renewable energy potential for the state. 

The Cross Town project is operated by Plus Power and is set on approximately five acres on industrially zoned land in Gorham, adjacent to an existing substation. According to Plus Power, the development has been designed to minimize impact on local wetlands. The project is scheduled to come online in summer 2025. 

Recently, Plus Power’s projects in Hawaii and Texas allowed for expedited restoration of power to residents after those states faced extreme, damaging weather. Once the Cross Town project in Gorham is up and running, Maine would see a similar benefit.