2 Maine utilities propose $1.9B worth of upgrades (AP)

Tuesday July 1, 4:30 pm ET By David Sharp, Associated Press Writer 2 Maine utilities to unveil $1.9 billion worth of electric infrastructure improvements PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- Two utilities on Tuesday proposed $1.9 billion worth of electric infrastructure improvements to ensure reliability of the existing power grid as well as to connect northern Maine to the New England power grid for the first time. Central Maine Power, whose parent company is Energy East Corp., is proposing to spend $1.4 billion to build a new 345,000-volt transmission line from Orrington to Newington, N.H., with a goal of upgrading and improving the state's grid, which has seen no improvements since 1971, said Sara Burns, CMP president and chief executive. Also, CMP and Maine Public Service Co., a subsidiary of Maine & Maritimes Corp., are partnering on... [read full story]