I will aim to post more frequently now that it’s the legislative season, but typically no more than once a week.
See comparison to the 2021 RFP at end of post.
Earlier I posted that the comments were due Monday—not so, it was extended to October 29. (Item 53 2024-00099)
Because legislative and PUC activity season really runs 50% of the year, I made a little timeline so that we can easily keep track of the history of this project. It goes back to 2021 and into the future. Please let me know if I missed anything.
Due October 29: Comments about the Northern Maine Transmission Line Draft RFP.
You can add comments to docket 2024-00099.
General thoughts:
Why is the RFP being released prior to completion of the study ordered by LD 197, due September 2026?
Why is the RFP being released prior to completion of the ISO-NE Longer Term Transmission Planning, due September 2026?
It seems like building more power lines to supply electricity out of state will contribute to increases in electric costs to Mainers. But that cost now has a metric attached to it: 70% of the evaluation factor. (Here is the CMP rate increase case, up to 780 public comments)
Since the RFP requires joint bidding and joint proposals, why is there a protective order on the docket? Let the people see how the money works.
Moreover: does encouraging multiple joint bidding allow all the bidders to compare pricing and keep pricing higher?
I’m pleased to see that the transmission and generation must be offered as joint proposals—and interested to see how the 20 year PPA will align with the longer lifespan of transmission.
I’m pleased to see how frequently the term “site control” shows up (4 times) compared to the 2021 RFP (twice)
Rulemaking about railtrails/ public land has not been completed; but may not matter with LD 810 anyway (Small description of the rail trails issue here.)
While this is supposed to be a public process, the systems are arcane, the language is under protective order, and most of the people impacted do not have time to participate. When a the public sentiment of a referendum like Question 1 of 2021 is overruled by something like LD 810, justified by legislators saying stuff like “the people didn’t intend what they got”— it leads to incredible frustration.
Let me know if you have other ideas!
I don’t love blog posts that incorporate ChatGPT data, but since I asked Chat to compare the first Northern Maine Transmission & Generation RFP (2021, Docket 2021-00369) with this draft RFP (docket 2024-00099), I’m posting the comparison here. It is useful.
My scribbles in red.
