Southport selectmen July 15 discussed a Central Maine Power email explaining two recent rate hikes. Key Account Manager Patrick Voit sent a summary of the town’s account. He also explained customers received a 49%increase in supply rates this year which followed an 83% increase last year.  “Supply rates, like net energy billing subsidies, are not CMP charges and are not regulated by the public utilities commission. Yet our company is required to include these charges in our bills,” he wrote. 

Voit added in 2019 the Legislature approved LD 1711 which aided solar energy companies by “offering generous financial subsidies to attract developers.” According to Voit, in the year prior to LD 1711, CMP had six cumulative Level 4 solar applications. After passage, CMP has more than 800 Level 4 applications which Voit said represented a “13,000% growth.” The state defines a Level 4 project as one greater than 2 MW or one less than 2 MW that fails screenings and requires study. “CMP strongly supports Maine’s clean energy transition, but there have been challenges — stranded cost associated with the program are costly and the projected program cost is $105 million,” he wrote. “Given the impact these programs’ costs will have on our customers, we support the Office of Public Advocate’s efforts to seek a fair and balanced compromise on solar policy that builds on progress already made, while providing financial relief to our customers.”

The most recent rate net energy billing occurred July 1.

In other action, selectmen approved an application for a Pratt’s Island pier, runway, float and skidway on the island’s eastern shore. In Darby Brower’s original application, the summer resident requested a more northern location, but selectmen requested a more “southern” spot.  

Selectmen also received correspondence from Hygrade Business Group in Falmouth who handles Southport’s municipal tax bills. Hygrade informed selectmen its $3,600 fee would increase by $100 due to program development. Selectman Gerry Gamage explained “program development” referred to costs associated with the state’s tax stabilization which allowed eligible senior citizens to “freeze” their property taxes. 

Selectmen approved Southport Island Association's request to rent the town hall Aug. 9. The town hall will be a rain location for the association’s annual picnic. Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 19 in the municipal building.