Power to the People: Fixing Maine’s Energy Crisis
- Robert Wessels
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 13
Why Common Sense—and Not Just “Green” Goals—Should Drive Our Energy Future
No matter where you live in Maine—or how you vote—you’ve probably noticed the same thing: our energy costs are out of control.
We see it on our monthly bills, at the gas station, and built into the price of almost everything we buy. Mainers are paying nearly 46% more than the national average for electricity—and when I talk with folks around the state, I hear the same thing over and over again: "Something has to give."
They’re right. It does.
How Did We Get Here?
Maine ranks 43rd in the nation for electricity costs, currently paying around 24 cents per kilowatt hour. Meanwhile, other states pay less than half that amount.
Why?
A big part of the problem comes down to policies coming out of Augusta, not just the electric companies. Our state’s Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) law requires that 80% of our electricity come from renewable sources by 2030—and 100% by 2050. That may sound good on paper, but there’s a catch: these laws favor wind and solar while restricting more efficient sources, like hydroelectric and nuclear.
CMP and Versant buy this costly energy—and then pass the cost directly to us.
We’re not paying more because energy is scarce—we’re paying more because the government is picking favorites, and we’re all footing the bill.
What the Data Really Says
A recent report from the Maine Policy Institute and other New England think tanks is a must-read. It warns that to meet these aggressive “green” energy goals, New England would need to build:
129 million solar panels
6,600 offshore wind turbines
5,600 regular wind turbines
The cost? $815 billion by 2050.
They estimate Maine ratepayers will be shelling out an additional $99 per year—on top of what we’re already paying.
It’s Time to Explore Real Alternatives
Let’s talk about nuclear energy—one of the cleanest, most efficient energy sources available. It's been off the table in Maine for nearly 30 years, even though the technology has come a long way since Maine Yankee closed.
But Augusta won’t even explore it. They’ve banned new nuclear development in the state—not because it doesn’t work, but because it doesn’t look green enough. That’s not leadership. That’s image management.
We owe it to ourselves—and future generations—to at least study every viable energy option, especially the ones that could save Mainers real money.
Freedom to Choose, Not Mandate
If you want solar panels or a wind turbine on your property—go for it! I’ll support your freedom to do that. But we shouldn’t all be forced to pay some of the highest energy rates in the country for solutions that are inefficient and unreliable at scale.
Our landscapes are being altered, our wallets are being drained, and for what? A theory that isn’t working for the people it’s supposed to help.
Where I Stand
As your governor, I will push for common-sense energy reform that puts Mainers first. I’ll work with the legislature to review outdated and biased laws, explore truly efficient alternatives, and pursue an energy strategy that is both sustainable and affordable.
We can protect our environment and protect our people. We just need leaders willing to choose both.
– Robert Wessels, Candidate for Governor of Maine