AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - The Maine Senate has rejected a bill backed by Republican Gov. Paul LePage that supporters say will reduce consumers’ energy costs.
The Senate voted 26-9 on Wednesday to killing the bill that seeks to remove a 100-megawatt cap for qualifying renewable power generation, such as hydropower
Supporters say that change would open the door to long-term contracts with generators, specifically hydro power, at discounted prices.
But Democratic Sen. John Cleveland of Auburn said there’s no indication the proposal would cut energy costs. He says the change would threaten other renewable energy sources from being priced out of the market.
LePage has made the proposal a major priority for his administration.
The bill faces further consideration in the House.
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