The Maine Senate GOP unanimously opposed the reappointment of Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Chair Philip Bartlett on Tuesday, citing his suspicious dealings with solar companies and soaring energy costs under his leadership.
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“Ratepayers and businesses are going to continue to suffer because of Chairman Bartlett’s refusal to acknowledge that massive solar companies are driving up energy costs,” said Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart (R–Aroostook).
The Senate Republicans issued a press release discussing the vote and explaining the role of the PUC to ensure reliable and safe energy for Mainers at a just and reasonable price.
They accused Bartlett, the Maine Senate Majority Leader from 2008-2010, of failing in those duties, citing a massive $52.90 increase in the average electricity bill for Mainers under Bartlett’s leadership as solar developers’ profits have grown. The state and PUC have worked to push for so-called “renewable” energy sources such as solar and wind power at the expense of affordable power for Mainers.
The state’s controversial net-energy billing policy allows energy utilities to subsidize the installation of solar panels on the homes of some Mainers by raising the electricity rates of those who do not want, or can’t afford, solar panels themselves.
[RELATED: Public Advocate Pressed to Hold Solar Companies to Account for High Costs and Confusion]
The Senate Republicans criticized Bartlett for prioritizing his party’s obsession with solar energy over the needs of the people he is supposed to serve.
“The rise in electricity costs under Chairman Bartlett’s stewardship has resulted in Maine companies going out of business, including in my district. During his tenure, more Maine families are seriously behind in their electric bills due to bad energy policies he supports,” said Assistant Senate Republican Leader Matt Harrington (R–York).
Prior to his time on the PUC, Bartlett served as Chair of the Maine Democratic Party and as the Maine Senate Majority Leader from 2008 to 2010.
The Senate Republicans pointed to a suspicious incident during Bartlett’s time as chair of his party. At that time, the party received $150,000 from an LLC with ties to a large solar company. Within a year of that donation, Bartlett was appointed to chair the PUC by Gov. Janet Mills (D-Maine).
In their joint statement, Republicans argued that even the appearance of a conflict of interest caused by the suspiciously timed donation should disqualify Bartlett from chairing the PUC.
Despite the unanimous opposition from the minority party, Bartlett was reconfirmed to his position in an 18-15 vote.
What’s with the bow tie ?
Is he another one of Fecteau’s hot tub buddies ?
If the 15 opponents looked at the 18 proponents, the answer to jacked up energy costs would be obvious.
It all starts in the EUT Committee led by Senator Lawrence and Representative Sachs, the two Chairs, both Democrats who have been lead sponsors to many bills meant to block the National Energy Emergency Declaration of the duly elected President of the United States.
Commissioner Bartlett is a definite solar pusher as is Commissioner Gilbert, who owns a solar system tied to the grid
$52 increase, I wish. Mine went up $90+ That’s ok I adapted a generator to run off volatile gasses and it works fine. I’m burning old tires to produce the vapors, its extremely smoky with thick black smoke that stinks terrible but I guess that’s what mills wanted so enjoy.
Good . Step up Republicans. Follow Trumps lead.
$59 increase?
It would be nice if today’s group had kept it to that.
A couple of years ago ours was about $75 per month and now it’s between $206 & $220 per month and we don’t have 3 kids living with us any more!
That kinda sounds like RCV nobody wanted it (Maine people) but democrats got it anyway.
Shocking that Bennett voted against him, but it was a safe vote knowing that democrats did not need his vote, this time.
Keep buying those foolish heat pumps gullible people .
You’ll soon learn just how much “ heat “ is really going to cost you .
Make that electric meter spin right off the house .
Just another friends and family hire. As far as Bennett’s vote, both he and the midget Seth Berry were the primary supporters of pine tree power, and opposes anything the governor wants relative to public utilities.
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Last year, I spent all summer and fall paying off electric. In worse shape THIS year! I can’t even afford a payment arrangement! We need to March against these thieves! (Or hobble, in my case..).. 🤯😵💫😵💫😵💫😤😡
Chair of the Maine Democratic Party, Maine Senate Majority Leader? Supporter of solar companies’ net-energy billing policy? What more do you need to know?