Alert highlights power supply woes (Maine NG shortage)

[phantom power]

As temperatures dropped into the teens over the weekend and the first major winter storm of the year roared into central Maine, Mainers were asked to conserve electricity to help deal with a deficiency in the state’s power supply.

That power advisory expired by Monday, but it underlined the region’s tight energy supply and reliance on natural gas as a power source.

Officials said the weekend’s potential lack of electricity was never due to the snow, the wind or any other weather event. Instead, Mainers were asked to conserve because a temporary lack of natural gas kept some Maine power plants out of service.

http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/1088296991.html

[NickB79]

1. But, but, but

The Maine Solar Home!!! The Maine Solar Home is in Maine! This story can't be true! :crazy:

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. I gotta get hubby to buy more CF bulbs. The incandescants we have left are killing us. (He never

turns a light off when he leaves a room. x( )

[jpak]

3. And everything was just fine up here

no blackouts

no brownouts

Why???

Because we conserve electricity when events like this occur (usually on cold winter days).

And - because Maine generates only 34-38% of its electricity from natural gas, and *exports* 34-38% of the electricity it produces to other states, this was really a problem for southern New England.

Most of Maine's electricity (>60% of in-state demand) comes from renewable sources (hydro and biomass) that were not affected by this event.

And when the 750+ MW of new wind, tidal and biomass power capacity comes on line - we can be natural gas free...

Can anyone else say this about their state????

Nope.

[OKIsItJustMe]

4. Can anyone else say this about their state????

I wish! :patriot:

[jpak]

5. and this...

Mainers getting bad deal on power

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=153086&ac=PHnws

Maine consumers are getting beaten up in an unresponsive wholesale electricity market that's dominated by high-cost natural gas, a new report says, and they might do better if the state formed stronger energy ties with New Brunswick.

In a draft of a final report to the Legislature, the Maine Public Utilities Commission says Maine's energy policy is at a crossroads. The current arrangement with New England's power grid operators, born 10 years ago with utility restructuring, has turned into a bad deal for Maine. Prices are rising, environmental goals are threatened and the state has diminished influence to control its energy destiny.

The PUC suggests three possible paths to a better future: Push for reforms in the current market, create an independent transmission company in Maine, or join with neighboring New Brunswick to form a common energy market.

During a media teleconference Wednesday, PUC Chairman Kurt Adams declined to give a preference but said he would offer his opinion to lawmakers. In other forums, Adams has promoted the benefits of clean power from Atlantic Canada. He also has been meeting with his counterparts in New Brunswick.

<more>