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Maine committee hears concern that data centers could claim behind‑the‑meter hydropower at Millinocket site
Summary
Sponsor and proponents told the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee they support redevelopment of the former Great Northern Paper mill in Millinocket but asked the Legislature to limit how much on‑site power can be committed to a single data‑center buyer to preserve energy for other local industrial uses and jobs.
Sen. Chip Curry (R) told the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee that amended LD 912 would constrain how much on‑site hydropower can be promised to data centers at the former Great Northern Paper Mill site in Millinocket while leaving room for other industrial reuse.
“This provision allows for commercial level behind the meter electricity power grama between generators and their tenants,” Curry said during opening testimony, describing the statute that currently lets on‑site generators sell directly to co‑located users without becoming a transmission and distribution utility.
Proponents from 1 North, the nonprofit marketing the Millinocket site, said the town’s redevelopment depends on access to affordable renewable energy for multiple industrial users. Shane Flynn of 1 North told the committee two target companies — a salmon farm and a liquid biofuels developer — would each use…
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