“FERC orders rate hike” (BDN, June 17-18) reminds me of the term “head fake.” Maine is in the high cost power situation because of dumb moves in the past like closing Maine Yankee to name one, moving to natural gas generation is another, splitting up generation and transmission is a third. So why should we expect a rational response to the FERC decision now? Using superlatives like “unbelievable” and “incomprehensible” when “inevitable” would seem more appropriate to describe ever rising rates sounds like outrage covering up the real reason for the high cost of power – thus the “head fake” analogy. Another term is “misdirection.” Fake people out about the real problem by railing at a possible solution.

I also don’t think it’s such a good idea to cut loose from the regional grid that’s regulated to a degree by our government to hook up with Canada that’s outside U.S. jurisdiction. I respect our northern neighbor, but if they decide to jack up prices because we are hooked on their power a lot of good it will do to yell to our congressional delegation. I think that back-up generator dealers would have a bonanza when the blackouts and brown-outs started if we got cut off in a dispute over prices.

The fact that Maine is not now in a supply bind is not necessarily true for all time, since we do use more than we generate and have to import power. If you want to go where power is eminently affordable move to Wyoming where they burn coal from in-state mines and have the railroads to move it. Wyoming also has oil, gas, and local refineries and can do without OPEC. Or take states hooked to the Tennessee Valley Authority that are booming like Tennessee.

Orin Lowe

Holden