Case Details

- Case Details:

Case Number :	2017-00232	Case Status :	Open
Utility/Industry Type :	Electric	Utility/Industry Subtype :	Transmission and Distribution Utilities (T and Ds)
Case Type :	REQUEST FOR APPROVAL	Case Subtype :	CERTIFICATE OF FINDING OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE & NECESSITY
Pertaining to Utility/Company :	CENTRAL MAINE POWER COMPANY	Case Title :	REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF CPCN FOR THE NEW ENGLAND CLEAN ENERGY CONNECT CONSTRUCTION OF A 1,200 MW HVDC TRANSMISSION LINE FROM QUEBEC-MAINE BORDER TO LEWISTON (NECEC) PERTAINING TO CENTRAL MAINE POWER COMPANY.
Initiating Filer :	CENTRAL MAINE POWER COMPANY	Case Start Date :	8/28/2017
Assigned Staff :	Faith.Huntington, Mitchell.Tannenbaum, Chris.Simpson, Christine.R.Cook, Kathryn.Arnott, Jeff.McNelly, Denis.Bergeron, LYNN.A.FORTIN, amy.mills
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Filings (619) Data Requests (10)Public Comments (1329) Active Party and Notification List (124) Assigned Staff (9)

Item No.	Date Filed	Description Of Filing	Filing Party	Filed By	No of Attachments	Deleted Filings
619	3/20/2019	PROCEDURAL ORDER - Denying Request to Extend Schedule	Commission Staff, CMS	Commission Staff, CMS	1
618	3/16/2019	Motion to Delay	Kessler, Christopher	Kessler, Christopher	1
617	3/15/2019	PROCEDURAL ORDER - Schedule	Commission Staff, CMS	Commission Staff, CMS	1
616	3/15/2019	Request for Extension of Time	NATURAL RESOURCES COUNCIL OF MAINE	Ely, Susan	1
615	3/14/2019	Transcript 3/7/19	Commission Staff, CMS	Commission Staff, CMS	1
614	3/13/2019	Town of Wilton's Opposition to NECEC	TOWN OF WILTON	Maiuri, Tiffany	1
613	3/13/2019	PROCEDURAL ORDER - Schedule	Commission Staff, CMS	Commission Staff, CMS	1
612	3/9/2019	Notice from The Town of Wilton choosing not to sign settlement agreement	Saviello, Tom	Saviello, Tom	1
611	3/6/2019	Corrected Public Version of Exhibit C to Comments of Generator Intervenors on Proposed Stipulation	BUCKSPORT GENERATION LLC, CALPINE CORPORATION, DYNEGY INC.	Bartlett Esq., Stephen	1
610	3/6/2019	Exhibit C to Comments of Generator Intervenors on Proposed Stipulation	BUCKSPORT GENERATION LLC, CALPINE CORPORATION, DYNEGY INC.	Bartlett Esq., Stephen	1

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Posted By	Posted Date	Comments	Attachment(s)
Sandra Howard Say NO to NECEC Caratunk, Maine	3/21/2019	A letter to the editor in the PPH today adds more evidence to the record that CMP/Avangrid/Iberdrola's current practices may be causing potential safety and hazard risks for line workers and effected repair areas. Alec Ferguson of Kennebunkport writes, "Last year, a Central Maine Power lineman was repairing a power line in a Saco neighborhood I'm familiar with. He was in his bucket finishing up his splice. I waited until he came down and asked why he was working alone. He said all linemen worked alone since Iberdrola Spain bought CMP. He said they'll keep doing things that way until someone gets killed. I forget how many millions of dollars in profits he said went to Spain that year. CMP was a great Maine company, but the only thing Maine about it now are the people who do the work and its customers. CMP is owned by Iberdrola Spain. CMP is a myth." The priority for 'CMP' should be to the safety of it's workers and rate payers and having real, positive action to update and repair damaged or outdated lines to rural communities. Ferguson goes on to describe other focus areas on an elective transmission upgrade by building a different line to serve out-of-state ratepayers, which seems to be an overstep due to current reliability and service quality to current ratepayers with the current lines. I encourage the PUC to advocate for Maine's rural utility consumers and hold CMP accountable to the foundational service standards of the utility industry. Ferguson continues, "Iberdrola Spain, Gov. Mills and the media are presenting this as a CMP project, avoiding the issue that international law pre-empts local law. Iberdrola Spain, an international corporation, will own and control pre-emptively those transmission lines on Maine soil forever, or whenever it decides to sell its property to another corporation, whichever comes first."
Tom Saviello ME Email ID: drtom16@hotmail.com	3/21/2019	Comment: On March 19h 2019 the Franklin County Commissioners at a regularly scheduled meeting Voted unanimously voted 3-0 to rescind support for NECEC (Case number 2017-0232) as originally stated in a letter from Commissioner Charles Webster dated October 17, 2017. Additionally the Commissioners voted to remain neutral on the proposed project.
Monica McCarthy 70 Augusta Road, Rome, ME 04963 Mailing: PO Box 387, Belgrade Lakes, ME 04918	3/20/2019	Commissioners,a 3 part series published by the Conservation Law Foundation titled "Why is Hydro-Quebec So Intent On Overselling its Hydropower," asserts that Hydro-Quebec has oversold the benefits and downplayed the costs of their large-scale hydropower for years. This series was published in 2014 as Northern Pass was deliberated. CLF was against Northern Pass, raising concerns about HQ hydropower's price, environmental benefits, and winter reliability: https://www.clf.org/blog/hydro-quebec-intent-overselling-hydropower-part/ https://www.clf.org/blog/hydro-quebec-intent-overselling-hydropower-part-ii/ https://www.clf.org/blog/hydro-quebec-intent-overselling-hydropower-part-iii/ CLF is one of three "environmental" organizations CMP references in an attempt to mislead the Commission and the public that there is sufficiently broad based, diverse support for a project 90+% of Mainers oppose. CLF's complete reversal of position on HQ hydropower from Northern Pass to NECEC undermines their credibility and raises questions about the integrity of testimony and information they have provided in support of NECEC. The Acadia Center isn't an environmental organization concerned with conservation or preservation of natural resources at all; they are headquartered in Massachusetts and their purpose is to promote development of energy projects. Western Mountains and Rivers Corp's creation was initiated by CMP in order to legitimize $22M in bribes to a handful of businesses near the NECEC corridor to purchase and then publicize their support. WMRC has been funded thus far by CMP, which means Maine ratepayers are footing the bill for CMP's false advertising. NO real environmental organizations support this project. There is no broad based, diverse support. Per CLF, "we need honesty, clarity, and integrity from our northern neighbors before we expand New England's reliance on Canadian hydropower," and the public is counting on the PUC to make sure we get it.
Monica McCarthy 70 Augusta Road, Rome, ME 04963 PO Box 387, Belgrade Lakes, ME 04918	3/20/2019	Commissioners, a 3 part series published by the Conservation Law Foundation titled "Why is Hydro-Quebec So Intent On Overselling its Hydropower," asserts that Hydro-Quebec has oversold the benefits and downplayed the costs of their large-scale hydropower for years. This series was published in 2014 as Northern Pass was deliberated. CLF was against Northern Pass, raising concerns about HQ hydropower's price, environmental benefits, and winter reliability: https://www.clf.org/blog/hydro-quebec-intent-overselling-hydropower-part/ https://www.clf.org/blog/hydro-quebec-intent-overselling-hydropower-part-ii/ https://www.clf.org/blog/hydro-quebec-intent-overselling-hydropower-part-iii/ CLF is one of three "environmental" organizations CMP references in an attempt to mislead the Commission and the public that there is sufficiently broad based, diverse support for a project 90+% of Mainers oppose. CLF's complete reversal of position on HQ hydropower from Northern Pass to NECEC undermines their credibility and raises questions about the integrity of testimony and information they have provided in support of NECEC. The Acadia Center isn't an environmental organization concerned with conservation or preservation of natural resources at all; they are headquartered in Massachusetts and their purpose is to promote development of energy projects. Western Mountains and Rivers Corp's creation was initiated by CMP in order to legitimize $22M in bribes to a handful of businesses near the NECEC corridor to purchase and then publicize their support. WMRC has been funded thus far by CMP, which means Maine ratepayers are footing the bill for CMP's false advertising. NO real environmental organizations support this project. There is no broad based, diverse support. Per CLF, "we need honesty, clarity, and integrity from our northern neighbors before we expand New England's reliance on Canadian hydropower," and the public is counting on the PUC to make sure we get it.
Susan Borko PO Box 1237, Rangeley, ME 04970 Email ID: campserenity@myfairpoint.net Phone No.: 207-864-3951	3/20/2019	We feel strongly that the perks offered by CMP for building this transmission line fall short of providing a fair shake for Mainers and are far outweighed by the damage that would be done to wildlife, fisheries, and clean water sources along the proposed route. In addition, CMP has not yet demonstrated that NECEC would provide any reduction in carbon emission-the original, primary goal for the project. In fact, the project could be harmful to the renewable energy industry by increasing the cost of connecting to the grid.
Mary Hawko 7 Ezekiel Way Email ID: hawko.mary@gmail.com Phone No.: 207-712-9266	3/20/2019	Greetings, I would like to add my voice to those who are opposed to the construction of a new transmission line or expansion of what is currently in place by CMP as a proxy to Hydro Quebec and Avangrid/Iberdrola in order to fulfill an RFP for "clean energy" in Massachusetts. This project would slash its way through 53 miles of managed and intact mixed hardwood forest, native species and biota. This area is a treasure to Maine and even on a global scale as it is one of the few intact forested areas left. We simply cannot afford to let this happen. I urge the Public Utilities Commissioners to consider all alternatives that would avoid this travesty. Regardless of the supposed "benefits" which are unneeded and barely in the public interest, this project has a permanent and egregious impact on the state of Maine. The loss of opportunity for Maine clean energy and other power generators is not beneficial to our public in any way, in fact, it only discourages it. There is also a huge risk to the entire area due to high voltage lines (think California, 2018) - fire. This creates an unnecessary vulnerability, a loss of habitat for terrestrial and aquatic species, the aesthetic imposition of the towers and lines, the loss of forest canopy, an open invitation to invasives, and other issues. There are better alternatives - apparently, Vermont has great routes, permits, and few impacts, and here in Maine, there is the possibility of repurposing an unused pipeline for sending electricity southward that would be a viable solution. Please take this all carefully into consideration as you make decisions about the certification for NECEC. Thank you, Mary
Sandra Howard Say NO to NECEC Caratunk, Maine	3/20/2019	The Franklin County Commissioners voted to rescind support of NECEC and move to a neutral position on 3/19/19. Currently, all towns along the new 53.5 mile segment of the corridor have voted to oppose or rescind support including: Jackman, Dennistown, Moose River, Caratunk, West Forks, The Forks. In addition, Embden, Wilton, and Alna have rescinded support and now Franklin County has withdrawn support! Here's more information about the FCC's vote to withdraw support of NECEC: https://www.centralmaine.com/2019/03/19/franklin-county-commissioners-withdraw-support-for-necec-project/?fbclid=IwAR0I_TLi5VRs10iiE--3aXaV6T1U-XnuUruUKPIuyYA-WdY4iOhGX2b9ISQ The Franklin County Commissioners did the right thing by rescinding their support for CMP's corridor. They did exactly what elected officials should do: they looked at all the information about how bad this corridor would be, they listened to their voters' overwhelming opposition to the corridor, and they decided that the corridor is a bad deal for Maine. I urge all of our Say NO to NECEC members to thank the commissioners for making a good decision that will help protect Maine's environment and economy for generations to come. The thousands of members in my group don't want a New Jersey-turnpike sized transmission corridor through the woods and mountains we recreate and work in and we urge all Mainers to let their elected officials know how bad this project would be.
Sandra Howard Say NO to NECEC Caratunk, Maine	3/20/2019	On 3/19/19 at the Wiscasset Select Board meeting, the board voted to have the town's letter of support removed from NECEC website. LINK to Official 3/19/19 Wiscasset Select Board meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caxxOPpkm4w&t=642s&fbclid=IwAR3VQ1D3b3h9IZLEeay5QQ1tvklEhIJilxTm7KxFrEsjH7ETcT0KS1TNer0 On the video, advance to 2:11:50 and listen to the reflective discussion by the board members. Members stated that "We did not vote" to support the current NECEC. At around 2:19:35, there is a motion put forth stating, "to direct the town manager to contact Central Maine Power specifically to remove any references that imply support for the ongoing [NECEC] project." The motion carried with unanimous support by select board members. According to the board members' conversation at this meeting, the 2017 letter of support submitted by Marian Anderson, town manager at the time, appears to NOT represent their current stance. This news came in on the same day as Franklin County Commissioners rescind their support of NECEC.
Eric Fernald 34 Gale Rd. Belmont, MA 02478	3/20/2019	Public Comments Attached	2017-232 Fernald.pdf
Alice Elliott 21A River Road Topsham ME Email ID: elliott.alice@gmail.com Phone No.: 207-737-9699	3/19/2019	Why must our rural state bear the brunt of the responsibility for the rest of New England's problems? VT and NH said no. The environmental consequences are huge, and CMP/Hydro Quebec has yet to demonstrate that the plan will actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Research I see indicates trees rotting in flooded areas will release greenhouse gases. If southern New England is so desperate, let's start with reducing demand; installing LED lamps in every public building, LED streetlights everywhere, all pumps and electric engines are the most efficient available, corporations and commercial property owners are required to reduce energy use through more efficient processes/lighting/equipment, etc. Once every conceivable effort to reduce usage has been implemented, THEN let's see some offshore wind turbines, large solar installations, and incentives for homeowners to install solar. Once the rest of New England has demonstrated they have done all they can to reduce demand and generate as much electricity as possible from renewable sources, then we can talk about raping and pillaging Maine. CMP has been duplicitous and recalcitrant in providing required materials throughout this process, which only serves to generate income for Avangrid/Iberdrola and Hydro Quebec investors. I urge PUC Commissioners to reject this boondoggle.

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Notification List Active Party List

Name of Person/Company	Representing Company	Mailing Address	Email/Phone/Fax
Loomis, Lauren		Kittery ME 03904	Email ID: sunatmidnght@gmail.com Phone Fax:
Boyb, Amy		ME	Email ID: aboyb@acadiacenter.org Phone Fax:
Donovan, Deborah		ME	Email ID: ddonovan@acadiacenter.org Phone Fax:
Meil, Kathleen		P.O. Box 583 Rockport ME 04856	Email ID: kmeil@acadiacenter.org Phone Ph: 207-236-6470 Fax:
Keefe, Josh		1 Merchants Plaza Bangor ME 04401	Email ID: jkeefe@bangordailynews.com Phone Ph: 207-990-8259 Fax:
valigra, lori		PO Box 1329 Bangor ME 04402	Email ID: lvaligra@bangordailynews.com Phone Ph: 207-583-1121 Fax:
Libby, Marcia A		PO Box 9729 Portland ME 04104 5029	Email ID: mlibby@bernsteinshur.com Phone Ph: 207-228-7346 Fax:
Hayden, Rachael		PO Box 9729 Portland ME 04104 5029	Email ID: rhayden@bernsteinshur.com Phone Ph: 207-228-7136 Fax:
Moser Esq., N. Joel		100 Middle Street P.O. Box 9729 Portland ME 04101	Email ID: jmoser@bernsteinshur.com Phone Ph: 207-228-7155 Fax: Fax: 207-774-1127
Novosel, Sarah	CALPINE CORPORATION	875 15th Street NW Suite 700 Washington DC 20005	Email ID: sarah.novosel@calpine.com Phone Ph: 202-777-7623 Fax:

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Staff Name	Role
Arnott, Kathryn	Support Staff
Bergeron, Denis	Staff Analyst
Cook, Christine	Staff Analyst
FORTIN, ETHELYN	Support Staff
Huntington, Faith	Staff Analyst
McNelly, Jeff	Support Staff
Mills, Amy	Staff Analyst
Simpson, Chris	Hearing Examiner
Tannenbaum, Mitchell	Staff Analyst

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