Maine Senate leader criticizes Troy Jackson over energy costs

Maine Senate Republican leader Harold “Trey” Stewart III has criticized former Senate President Troy Jackson regarding rising energy costs in the state. Stewart argues that Jackson’s legislative record contributed to financial strain on Maine residents.

A central point of contention is the Net Energy Billing law passed in 2019. This policy guarantees solar power generators a rate of return nearly four times higher than the regulated market rate. An independent public advocate testified that by 2025, the cost of this policy could reach approximately $220 million annually, adding roughly $275 per year to each ratepayer’s bill.

Stewart notes that while legislation to repeal this policy passed the Democrat-controlled House in 2023, it failed in the Senate under Jackson’s leadership. He claims that approximately 20 bills intended to curb Net Energy Billing costs died during Jackson’s presidency.