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V I E W P O I N T S W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 3 J U N E 1 5 , 2 0 2 0 From the Editor M aine's energy costs are a frequent topic of discussion. Maine ranks No. 11 among states in per capita energy expenditures, but just No. 27 in energy con- sumption per capita, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. With the pricing model thrown out of whack by the pandemic's impact on transportation and travel, the cost of energy might not be front of mind. But people are out there thinking about it. In our cover story, Laurie Schreiber outlines how different sectors of the energy industry have been affected by the pandemic. Historically low prices have been good for consumers, but they've made trouble for businesses in the energy industry. Her story, "Nervous energy," starts on Page 12. e idea of electricity "microgrids" has got- ten backing from a range of business leaders and public officials, including U.S. Sen. Angus King. Microgrids are more reliable in power outages or event attacks, and are a shift from centralized energy grids. But they can be costly and sometimes work counter to the idea that bigger is also more efficient. As Renee Cordes reports, there are a num- ber of new ideas and technologies taking root in Maine. See "Plugging in" on Page 20. On the environmental front, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, fresh off a $125 million capital campaign, is turning some of its attention to buying and preserv- ing marshlands, which are a critical buffer not only in storms but also in defending against rising sea levels. Maureen Milliken talks with MCHT Executive Director Tim Glidden about a recent effort to save the marsh areas along the Cousins River, which sepa- rates the towns of Freeport and Yarmouth. e land should be well-known to some, visible from I-295 or even the Muddy Rudder restaurant. See "Rising seas, rising concerns" on Page 18. For more information about how Maine's energy usage and costs stack up against other states, see the Focus Intro on Page 11. A list of Maine's largest power plants is on Page 26. Peter Van Allen pvanallen@mainebiz.biz Featured @ Mainebiz.biz For a daily digest of Maine's top business news, sign up for the Mainebiz Daily Report at mainebiz.biz/enews Get Maine's business news daily at mainebiz.biz and on Twitter (@Mainebiz). Below is our most popular content for the two weeks from May 25 to June 8. 1. Bar Harbor attractions facing 'massive cancellations' this summer 2. Despite pandemic, Saddleback resort relaunch remains on track 3. Maine hotels and inns can open today, but out-of-staters still have to quarantine 4. Trump to visit swab-maker Puritan Friday; Mills cites security concerns 5. Restaurant reopenings will be limited to outdoor seating in three Maine counties 6. Maine investigates more than 1,000 fraudulent unemployment claims 7. Maine hair salons are trying to cope with coronavirus, and new competition 8. State plan would allow some to bypass quarantine, but lodging industry says it's not enough 9. Preparing for a pandemic: Central Maine Healthcare had a sound plan — would it be enough? 10. Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center chief Alain Nahimana dies at 49 P H O T O / L A U R I E S C H R E I B E R 1 Be ready. BE SHUR. bernsteinshur.com When you need outside legal counsel that feels like par t of your team. Pandemic's impact on energy use a good time to ask questions Maine ranks No. 11 in energy cost, but No. 27 in usage.

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