Maine utilities told to stick with ISO
MAINE - Central Maine Power and Bangor Hydro-Electric are being told to continue their arrangement with the operator of the regional power grid for two more years.
But the Public Utilities Commission also ordered the companies to aggressively pursue reforms of their relationship with ISO-New England.
The panel has expressed dissatisfaction with the present system, citing inequitable cost allocations and poor representation of consumer interests in the power grid's decision-making processes. It also found that components of the ISO structure benefit Maine's energy markets and consumers.
Earlier this year, the PUC conducted proceedings to assess the progress of negotiations and to consider whether to direct the utilities not to renew the existing agreements.
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N.L. premier says Muskrat Falls costs are too great for optimism about benefits
ST JOHNS - Newfoundland and Labrador's premier says the Muskrat Falls hydro megaproject is currently too much of a massive financial burden for him to be optimistic about its long-term potential.
"I am probably one of the most optimistic people in this room," Liberal Premier Dwight Ball told the inquiry into the project's runaway cost and scheduling issues.
"I believe the future is optimistic for Newfoundland Labrador, of course I do. But I'm not going to sit here today and say we have an optimistic future because of the Muskrat Falls project."
Ball, who was re-elected on May 16, has been critical of…