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April 29, 2019

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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 49 A P R I L 2 9 , 2 0 1 9 25 P OW E R G R I D 20% of the state's net electricity and account for two-thirds of all wind-pow- ered generation in New England. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's most recently updated profile (based on June 2018 data), almost 85% of Maine's net electricity generation came from renewable sources, with almost 33% from hydroelectric dams, 25% from biomass generators using mainly wood waste products, and 20% from wind turbines. In addition, almost 20% of net generation came from natural gas. e rest of Maine's net electricity gen- eration came from petroleum, coal, and solar power, according to the Maine State Energy Profile. Maine's largest electricity generat- ing plant, the 827-megawatt William F. Wyman station in Yarmouth, burns No. 2 fuel oil and in recent years has been used only to meet peak power demand in the winter. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the industrial sector accounts for about one-fifth of Maine's net electricity generation, the highest proportion of any New England state and one of the highest among all the states. Maine's industrial sector primarily uses bio- mass, hydroelectric and natural gas turbines to generate power. With its limited use of coal and petroleum for electricity genera- tion, Maine is among the 10 states with the lowest carbon emissions, USEIA added. Looking forward, Gov. Janet Mills announced that Maine had joined the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 21 states committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Mills said her office would seek to reduce Maine's greenhouse gas emissions by 26% to 28% by the year 2025 and by 80% by 2050. She also pledged that 80% of the state's electricity would come from renewable energy by 2030 and 100% by 2050. "A change is gonna come," she said in a nod to the 1964 Civil Rights-era song by singer-songwriter Sam Cooke. James McCarthy, Mainebiz digital editor, can be reached at jmccarthy @ mainebiz.biz CN Brown has a variety of rate plans that are suitable for the smallest businesses to the largest en es. Choose a plan based on your business's size and unique needs. cnbrownenergy.com/commercial-fuel/commercial-electricity Backed by superior service and reliability! > Electricity > Hea ng Oil > Kerosene > Propane > Natural Gas > Gasoline > Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel > Off-road Diesel Comprehensive energy op ons for your business A little progress each day adds up to big results. lblanchette@pmconstruction.com P H O T O / J E F F K I R L I N Gov. Janet Mills announced that Maine had joined the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 21 states committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The University of Maine and Cianbro had a pilot program (top) to test floating wind turbines, like the one shown here on Penobscot Bay. Maine Beer Co. in Freeport (bottom left) incorporated a solar array into its expansion. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F M A I N E A Q UA V E N T U S P H O T O / P E T E R VA N A L L E N

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