I. INTRODUCTION
A. Report Process
During its 2004 session, the Legislature enacted The Maine Wind Energy Act, P.L. 2003, ch 665, §§3,4 (the “Act”). As part of that Act, the Legislature directed the Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) to conduct a study of the viability of and potential for the development of wind power in the State. In particular, the Act specifies that the study should examine the realistic potential for wind power development in Maine, the cost of wind power, potential markets, impacts of wind power on the electric grid, potential for siting wind facilities on tribal lands, and obstacles to wind power development in the State.
In conducting its study, the Commission held interviews and meetings with a wide variety of entities having expertise or interest in issues involving wind power and renewable resources, including discussions with wind power developers, utilities, grid system operators, environmental groups, wind power opponents, tribal representatives, and other state agencies.1 The Commission also conducted extensive research on a variety of wind power and renewable resource issues. Finally, to solicit input from the public, the Commission released a draft report and sought written comment on the draft from all interested parties.2
The results of the Commission study are contained in this report. The report is structured as follows: