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LS Power Grid Maine Selected to Build Transmission Solution to Deliver Renewable Energy from Northern Maine

LS Power Grid Maine Selected to Build Transmission Solution to Deliver Renewable Energy from Northern Maine

October 26, 2022

Today, the Maine Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) selected LS Power Grid Maine, LLC to build a new transmission solution that will deliver renewable energy from Aroostook County, Maine into the existing New England grid. The Commission’s selection is a major step toward ensuring Maine meets its ambitious clean energy and climate goals in a cost-conscious manner while realizing economic benefits for the state.

“LS Power is honored that the state of Maine has placed its trust in us to deliver this critical infrastructure, which will deliver clean energy, while also improving the reliability and resilience of the electric grid,” said Paul Thessen, President of LS Power Development. “We are encouraged that the Commission recognized the value of our proposal and excited to deliver these benefits to Maine.”

LS Power’s plan calls for building over 100 miles of new 345 kV transmission lines and multiple substations to deliver new wind generation from Aroostook County, Maine. These projects will provide significant benefits to Maine and the region, including jobs, tax revenues, and environmental benefits. The location of the new facilities will be determined through an open and transparent siting process.

The Commission conducted a competitive process in accordance with The Northern Maine Renewable Energy Development Program, which established certain parameters and criteria for consideration, including the technical and financial viability of proposed projects; use of existing rights-of-way and transmission corridors; and benefits to Maine ratepayers. LS Power’s proposal was selected by the Commission as the transmission solution that best met these parameters, including being the most cost-effective option.

“We look forward to implementing this industry-leading grid infrastructure in close collaboration with the Commission, local communities, and other stakeholders,” said Thessen. “We are excited to be part of building Maine’s clean energy future.”

About LS Power:

Founded in 1990, LS Power is a premier development, investment, and operating company focused on the North American power and energy infrastructure sector, with leading platforms across generation, transmission and energy transition solutions. Since inception, LS Power has developed or acquired over 47,000 MW of power generation, including utility-scale solar, wind, hydro, battery energy storage, and natural gas-fired facilities. Through LS Power Grid, the firm has built and operates approximately 680 miles of high-voltage transmission and has another 200+ miles and multiple grid infrastructure projects currently under construction or development. Across its efforts, LS Power actively invests in and scales businesses that are accelerating the energy transition, including electric vehicle charging, demand response, microgrids, renewable fuels and waste-to-energy platforms. Over the years, LS Power has raised $53 billion in debt and equity capital to support North American infrastructure.