At Versant Power, we are aligning our mission and vision with Maine’s climate goals.
Versant envisions a future electric grid that operates safely and reliably, enables a fully decarbonized energy supply, facilitates the deployment of significant distributed energy resources and beneficial electrification technologies, leverages cost-effective solutions, and does all this while maintaining affordability for our customers.
LD 1959, An Act Regarding Utility Accountability and Grid Planning for Maine’s Clean Energy Future, directed Maine’s investor-owned utilities to develop integrated grid plans. These plans are intended to support state energy policy, modernize the electric grid, and facilitate a seamless transition to clean energy. Maine's electric utilities must develop comprehensive grid plans every five years, with the first due in January 2026. (See Maine Public Utilities Commission Docket No. 2022-00322). Key components of this plan include:
Our goal for grid planning is to identify opportunities for “no regrets” investments that empower customer choice of modern, low-carbon technologies and are aligned with Maine's state policy goals. We are committed to collaborating with the communities we serve and other stakeholders to ensure Maine's electric grid is resilient, reliable and capable of meeting the challenges of a fully electrified future.
Versant Power will share information about grid planning with communities and interested stakeholders. To sign up for updates, click the button below.
Versant Power also has drafted a climate change resilience plan suggesting specific actions for addressing expected effects of climate change on the assets needed to transmit and distribute electricity to our customers. (See Maine Public Utilities Commission Docket No. 2023-00282).
Versant Power’s Climate Change Resilience Plan
Versant Power also is undertaking a climate vulnerability study to inform this work. We are meeting with communities throughout our service territory to better understand needs and areas of mutual interest.
Climate Change Planning
Versant Power has created its first Climate Change Resilience Plan and now is working with an expert consulting firm to conduct a Climate Vulnerability Assessment. We will provide regular public updates and continue engaging with communities throughout our service territory to better understand their needs and concerns.
The following presentation on the Climate Vulnerability Assessment was offered on Sept. 30: Versant Climate Vulnerability Study Introduction
Meetings are taking place throughout Versant Power’s service territory in northern and eastern throughout our service territory to help us better understand needs and areas of mutual interest.
Topics include:
PRESQUE ISLE: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, Aroostook Agency on Aging, 260 Main St.
FORT KENT: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, Fort Kent town office, 416 Main St.
ISLAND FALLS: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, Island Falls Town Hall, 68 Houlton Road.
Versant Power staff will be available to discuss any energy issues of interest. All feedback will be documented and considered as part of Versant Power’s grid planning process. Surveys also will be shared to help Versant Power understand and document individuals’ specific concerns and areas of interest.
Those who are interested in attending must RSVP at gridandclimate@versantpower.com to receive pre- and/or post-event surveys, ensure sufficient space is available, and receive updates if the event must be moved or postponed. Please include your intended meeting location in the email’s subject line (Presque Isle, Fort Kent or Island Falls).