Stephen Singer writes about energy and utilities for the Press Herald. He began covering the arcane beat in 1999-2000 as a statehouse reporter for The Associated Press in Charleston, W.Va., as the Legislature -- with many others in the U.S. -- set about the task of deregulating energy. Singer picked up the beat for the AP in Hartford, Conn., expanding his reporting to cover the six New England states. A newcomer to Maine, he prefers blueberries to lobster.
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PublishedDecember 14, 2023
Congress passes military spending bill that would bring $3.6 billion to Maine
The bill would support the state’s defense industry, which builds ships, fighter jet engine components and other equipment for the military.
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PublishedDecember 13, 2023
Another rate cut will further reduce electricity costs for CMP customers in 2024
A complicated formula drafted by federal and New England energy officials is behind the second announcement in as many weeks of an electricity rate cut.
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PublishedDecember 12, 2023
Maine officials accuse IRS of reversing pledge by taxing $450 state energy payments
The state says the IRS backed out of federal tax exemption for payments intended to help 880,000 Mainers cope with high energy costs last winter.
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PublishedDecember 5, 2023
CMP, Maine’s public advocate dispute cost of power restoration following 2022 storms
Maine’s Public Advocate accuses Central Maine Power of hiring too many storm repair crews, inflating costs. The utility questions its critic’s cost calculations and says electricity was restored quickly.
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PublishedDecember 4, 2023
Versant Power raps wind transmission line, says it adds costs, not benefits, for many customers
The proposed Aroostook Renewable Gateway would connect power from a wind farm to the New England grid, but the project has faced many obstacles as its seeks regulatory approval.
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PublishedDecember 1, 2023
Low-income households are getting ‘woefully inadequate’ help with utility bills, public advocate says
A report from the Electric Ratepayer Advisory Council suggests Maine needs $126 million a year in assistance. That’s five times more than what’s currently available.
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PublishedNovember 29, 2023
Mainers will pay $30 less per month on average for electricity in 2024
The standard-offer rate for Central Maine Power customers will decrease by 35%; Versant Power customers will see a 24% drop. The decreases are the result of a big drop in natural gas prices.
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PublishedNovember 24, 2023
Unions accept contract offer, ending strike at Northern Maine pulp manufacturer
Workers at Woodland Pulp in Baileyville had walked off the job on Oct. 14.
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PublishedNovember 24, 2023
Developers of Maine wind transmission line stymied by pace of negotiations with regulators
New York-based LS Power wants to build up to 160 miles of transmission line across northern and central Maine, but differences over terms of the service and power purchase agreement have emerged, as has some community opposition.
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PublishedNovember 20, 2023
Union says 5 arrested at picket line of striking workers at eastern Maine pulp mill
Employees have been on strike at Woodland Pulp in Washington County since Oct. 14.