PUC’S ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN

With energy prices at record highs, Maine looking for ways to better control its energy future and a new company taking over the state’s telephone operations, the Public Utilities Commission will play a crucial role in the state’s economic future. Maintaining the commission’s recently heightened focus on Maine consumers must remain a priority.

Kurt Adams, who leaves the PUC today to work for First Wind, a national wind energy company, took the commission’s advocacy on behalf of the state’s ratepayers to a new level. Gov. John Baldacci appointed Sharon Reishus, who has worked as an analyst for the PUC as well as for Central Maine Power Co. and the CIA, as the commission’s chairman. He expects to nominate someone to fill Mr. Adams’ seat on the three-member commission later this year. Senate confirmation is required.

During the commission’s evaluation of plans to have FairPoint Communications, a small company, take over Verizon’s land lines in Maine, Mr. Adams appointed two PUC staff members to serve as consumer advocates. Their questions and advice shaped negotiations between the company and the PUC that resulted in approval of the deal with numerous conditions. The commission must closely monitor FairPoint’s performance in terms of service, rates and investment. If the conditions set by the PUC aren’t met, the commission must quickly require fixes.

In the energy realm, Mr. Adams was not shy about airing his opinions or of being a thorn in the side of ISO-New England, the operator of the region’s electricity grid. He long argued that paying the same whether a plant is built in Maine or Connecticut didn’t make sense. If companies do not receive more money to build facilities in states with high demand and limited supply, they are likely to build in Maine because the state is more welcoming to such infrastructure. Maine residents would then be required to help build new transmission lines needed to get the electricity from Maine to Connecticut. Worse, Maine residents won’t get lower power rates because the electricity is generated nearby.

Because of frustration with the current cost allocation system, the Legislature last month authorized the PUC to begin formal consideration of leaving ISO-New England.

Gov. Baldacci recognized Mr. Adams’ efforts earlier this month and outlined what he was looking for in his replacement. “I need someone who will continue Kurt’s campaign to protect Maine’s energy sovereignty and to lower the cost of electricity.”

It is a campaign that requires strong, forceful leadership.