Energy News Roundup: November 3-November 9

This week in regional energy news …

• Vermont Electric Power Co. incurred $1.25 million in expenses to repair a transmission line and 167 insulators after the insulators were shot out in an act of vandalism.  In Maine, the Portland Police Department is investigating more than $60,000 in copper thefts from CMP facilities in Portland in just the last three months.
• Beginning March 1, 2013, electric rates in Maine will decrease by approximately 8% for CMP customers and 6% for Bangor Hydro customers.  According to PUC Chairman Tom Welch, this will lower Maine electricity costs by about $20 million.
• ISO New England announced the publication of its comprehensive 10-year plan for the region’s power grid, including transmission upgrades and resource additions.
• All but one school in Lewiston-Auburn have converted to natural gas from oil, savings the communities hundreds of thousands of dollars in heating costs.
• The Maine PUC is seeking long-term contract proposals for energy supply from new and existing resources.  Proposals are due March 1, 2013.  The RFP and related materials are available at the PUC’s Web site.