Maine Power Connection Project Summary
Since 2007 Maine Public Service Company (MPS) and Central Maine Power Company (CMP) have
been working together to develop the Maine Power Connection (MPC), an electric transmission
project that would link the MPS service area directly to Maine's electric grid. Presently, MPS
is connected to Maine indirectly through transmission lines that cross into New Brunswick
before tying into the international grid that links Maine and New Brunswick. The MPS system is
separated by a 25-mile gap between the MPS lines in Houlton and the MEPCO transmission line to
southern and central Maine that passes through Haynesville.
On January 21, 2009, in deliberations of the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC), the
Commission voted to dismiss without prejudice the petition of Maine Public Service Company and
Central Maine Power Company to build a transmission line connecting northern Maine to the New
England transmission grid, originally filed in Docket No. 2008-256. As described in a press
release filed in a Form 8-K dated January 16, 2009, the parties intend to continue to pursue
development of a transmission line to enable development of wind generation projects and
potentially to connect northern Maine to the New England electric grid.
(click map to enlarge)
During 2009, the MPC has met with various stakeholders to discuss the project scope and
requirements.
A straight forward interconnection of the MPS system will:
- Encourage a competitive market for wholesale and retail supply for customers in northern Maine
- Improve reliability for the Maine Public Service system
- Allow the interconnection to be supported through regional transmission rates
- Facilitate the delivery of renewable power from existing and proposed wind generation projects in northern Maine
The MPC is working with key stakeholders in an effort to identify and secure means to reduce
the northern Maine ratepayer impact.
MPS and CMP are committed to finding a solution for northern Maine. We believe the project
will lay the groundwork for future development in Aroostook County.
Maine & Maritimes Corporation (AMEX:MAM) is the parent company of Maine Public
Service Company, a regulated electric transmission and distribution utility serving approximately 36,000 electricity customer accounts
in northern Maine. MAM is also the parent company of MAM Utility Services Group, an unregulated corporation that provides electrical
services including transmission line and substation design and construction. Corporate headquarters are located in Presque Isle, Maine, and
the corporate website is www.maineandmaritimes.com.
Central Maine Power, a subsidiary of Energy East Corporation (NYSE:EAS), a regulated
electric transmission and distribution utility, operates more than 25,000 miles of power lines and other facilities that deliver electricity
to 600,000 electricity customers in Maine. The corporate website is: www.cmpco.com.