Polling Shows Opposition to Government Takeover of Maine’s Power Grid

Augusta, Maine -- Today, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with utility company members, released polling examining the favorability of a government takeover of Maine’s power grid. While the proposal was being considered by the Maine Legislature, activists also filed papers with the Secretary of State to bring a similar proposal to a statewide referendum vote as early as 2021.

Public Policy Polling (PPP) surveyed 865 registered voters from October 16-17, 2020. The survey found: 
 

• A majority, 58%, of Maine residents think Maine’s electric power companies should remain privately owned companies regulated by the Public Utilities Commission.
• Just 19% prefer borrowing up to $13 billion to take control of Maine’s electric power companies and transferring management of our electricity to a government-controlled agency run by a board of elected politicians.
• 23% of voters are unsure about the proposal.

 
“Shifting one of Maine’s most vital services from private ownership to a government-controlled model will cost Mainers billions of dollars, result in years of costly litigation, and create uncertainty in our electric grid at a time when stability is needed to meet key investments, like meeting Maine’s renewable energy goals,” said Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “It is clear that a majority of Mainers think a government takeover of our power grid is not in the best interest of our state.”