The GridSolar Project embodies a very different
vision of the electric grid - a vision based on the concept of a Smart
Electricity Grid. Rather than expand the transmission system
to bring electricity to Maine's cities and towns, the GridSolar Project
meets increased peak loads using distributed solar generation located
within the communities, in combination with investments in a smart
electric grid to promote energy efficiency and demand response.
The GridSolar vision replaces the one
that led to the creation of Maine's electric grid almost a half century
ago - when the grid was established as a network of high voltage, high
capacity transmission lines interconnecting load centers with large
generating stations. This was the vision that created the existing
network in the 1970s as new nuclear plants and a like number of large
oil plants were built in New England.
The GridSolar Project has three key components:
- Development of a Smart Grid Platform that will allow Maine to
achieve higher levels of efficiency in the generation, transmission and
use of electricity
- Creation of an Independent Smart Grid Operator that, unlike
Maine's utilities, will be rewarded for increases in energy
efficiency and conservation
- Construction of distributed Renewable Solar Generation in
lieu of massive new power lines that will provide the energy locally to
meet increases in peak loads
The GridSolar Project is a better solution for Maine:
- GridSolar is "two for (less than) the price of one"- it will
deliver reliability plus renewable solar energy at lower costs than the
MPRP
- The MPRP requires $1.5 billion up front. The
GridSolar Project can be built in phases, if and when needed, keeping
electric rates low and protecting ratepayers from being saddled with
unnecessary costs.
- The Smart Grid Platform will enable use of least cost
solutions first, and will open up new markets for businesses that can
provide energy savings, demand response and renewable energy.
- GridSolar will ensure that renewable energy, jobs and tax
revenues will remain in Maine rather than being sent to energy
producers outside of the State and in Canada.
- GridSolar is cleaner and more efficient; it will reduce
greenhouse gas pollution and help improve Maine’s air quality.
- GridSolar and the Smart Grid Platform will provide a
foundation for the energy technologies of the future –
keeping Maine competitive in a global energy marketplace.
In addition, many small-scale generating facilities are inherently more reliable (and
less susceptible to terrorist attack) than are long, high capacity
transmission lines that cause massive black-outs when they fail.
Documents:
- GridSolar, LLC, Petition, January 28, 2009 Redacted (pdf)
- GridSolar, LLC, Supplemental Petition, Sept. 8, 2009 Redacted (pdf)
- GridSolar, LLC Second Supplemental Petition, October 27, 2009 Redacted (pdf)
- GridSolar, LLC, Surrebuttal Filing, Feb. 2, 2010 Redacted (pdf)
- GridSolar, LLC, Surrebuttal Filing, Feb 2, 2010 - Attachments Redacted (pdf)
- ReVision Energy Surrebuttal Testimony, Feb. 2, 2010 (pdf)