ME LD197

Governor's Energy Office must study Maine's future electric transmission infrastructure needs, including siting/permitting processes, best practices from other states, and opportunities for cost-sharing with neighboring states

Study must analyze existing rights-of-way (transportation, railway, existing transmission corridors) for potential colocation of new transmission infrastructure

Emerging technologies to be evaluated include grid-enhancing technologies, advanced conductors, and strategic undergrounding, with cost-benefit comparisons of buried vs. aerial high-voltage lines

At least 3 stakeholder meetings required, with a 16-member group including representatives from state agencies, utilities, engineers, the Public Advocate, and private landowner interests

Report due to Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology by September 1, 2026, with the committee authorized to introduce related legislation in 2027