Dear John,

Maine faces some of the highest electricity rates in all of New England largely because of our overreliance on natural gas.

One of the policies we are working with Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition on this session seeks to make electricity more affordable for people across our state by expanding access to clean, reliable solar energy. It’s called LD 1730: An Act Regarding the Beneficial Electrification Policy of the State. It would allow residents to use small, portable plug‑in solar devices that can be plugged into a standard wall outlet.

Rooftop arrays aren’t always a viable option for renters, apartments, or older homes. This bill would make clean energy ownership accessible to renters, low‑income households, and families whose homes aren’t suitable for traditional solar, with no cost to the state or other electric customers.

This bill was voted out of committee and is heading shortly to the Senate floor for a full vote. Now is a critical time for lawmakers to hear from Mainers, so they know that a measure like this – to expand access to affordable, clean energy – has broad support.

Will you join us in supporting access to clean, affordable energy for people across Maine?

Between May 2024–May 2025, Maine households saw a 36.3% increase in electricity prices, and low-income families in Maine already pay twice the recommended share of income on electricity. No one in our state should have to make the impossible decision between keeping their lights on and paying the rent or buying food to feed their family. 

Plug-in solar energy is a cost-effective, clean energy source that can deliver real benefits to Mainers, and LD 1730 would help make it more accessible to the people across Maine who need it most. Maine has a chance to lead in energy equity and resilience without subsidies, without fiscal impact, and with enormous public benefit.

In solidarity,

Nick Janzen | he/him/his

Director of Policy & Partnerships

Maine Conservation Voters

[email protected]

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 Maine Conservation Voters
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