Maine Public Utilities Commission Investigates Need for Smart Grid Operator

In response to Maine legislation enacted last spring, the Smart Grid Policy Act and the MPUC Order approving CMP’s Maine Power Reliability Program (“MPRP”) the MPUC has initiated a formal investigation to determine whether it is in the public interest to have one or more smart grid coordinators in Maine to help achieve the policy objectives set forth in the Smart Grid Policy Act.  Under the Act, the smart grid coordinator will manage access to smart grid functions and associated infrastructure, technology and applications.  The Order approving MPRP provides for two smart grid pilot projects to be set up as non-transmission alternatives and administered by a smart grid coordinator.  The MPUC investigation will define “smart grid” technologies, systems and functions; the potential role of a smart grid coordinator in furthering the reliability, efficiency and environmental policies embodied in the Smart Grid Policy Act; and the overall costs and benefits to ratepayers.