(Editor’s Note: This column originally appeared in the Lewiston Sun Journal)
When the Legislature first passed Maine’s current Net Energy Billing policies in 2019, the intent was to spur solar development. The actual subsidies were tied to natural gas rates and rose too high, too fast when the price of natural gas spiked.
Adding to these costs is the fact that out-of-state investors noticed that Maine’s Net Energy Billing program was offering higher than market rate subsidies. Taking advantage of Maine’s generous solar subsidies, large solar farms, backed by hedge funds and venture capital firms, began popping up all over the state.
Let me be very clear: I support solar and think that residential solar is beneficial in meeting our energy goals. However, the development of large solar fields should not come at the expense of ratepayers who don’t have the means to pay the upfront costs of installing solar arrays.
That’s why I Introduced “An Act to Prohibit Net Energy Billing by Certain Customers.” My bill would allow individuals and small businesses to continue adding power to the grid and be compensated for that power. Large solar developers, however, would not be eligible to participate as it is these large developments that are causing rates to go up and nearly double for some commercial ratepayers.
Additionally, because of the perverse incentive to build massive solar fields instead of other types of developments, our housing shortage is not being addressed. If the return for out-of-state investors buying up land was not so high for solar development, other types of development, like housing, could occur.
Senator Bruce Bickford represents Auburn, Durham and Poland in Androscoggin County and New Gloucester in Cumberland County. He served in the Maine House of Representatives during the 124th – 125th Legislatures and the 127th – 130th Legislatures.
Maine Senate Republicans 