Maine
Solar companies lose bid to restore Maine incentives
A federal judge has dealt a blow to solar companies’ attempt to block a rollback of state incentives for the industry passed by Maine lawmakers.
U.S. District Judge Stacey Neumann on Tuesday denied a motion for preliminary injunction filed by the owners of dozens of solar farms to halt new project fees included in changes to Maine’s Net Energy Billing program.
Judge Neumann discounted the companies’ arguments that an imposition of new fees on existing projects was an unconstitutional government “taking” and said they were unlikely to win the case.
The solar companies argued that they developed projects under an expansion of the Net Energy Billing (NEB) program seven years ago.
Developers sued Maine utility regulators last year, arguing that they relied on the program to make project finances work and adding new fees would cripple existing solar farms.
But Judge Neumann noted that companies’ participation in NEB was entirely voluntarily, and they could withdraw and sell power to other customers.
“The project charge does not fall within either recognized exception to the general rule that monetary assessments are not takings,” Judge Neumann said.
Maine lawmakers expanded NEB in 2019 to encourage developers to install “community” solar projects of up to 5 megawatts with special electric rates paid for by electric customers.
The policy sparked a boom in solar development in Maine, but costs of the program were tied to overall electric prices which rose sharply in recent years.
In 2026 lawmakers curtailed the program and added the new charges to offset electric ratepayers’ expenses.
An attorney representing the companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
But Kevin Cray, vice president of existing markets and regulatory affairs for the Coalition for Community Solar Access said it was disappointed by the decision and believed in the merits of the suit’s claims.
“This retroactive policy change chills economic investment, undermines market certainty, and punishes American companies that followed the law, while ignoring the Maine Department of Energy Resources’ report that natural gas, not solar or wind, is the real driver of soaring power prices,” Cray said in a press release.
A meal that would normally cost more than $30 is available for less than $12 at Governor’s Restaurants on Wednesday.
Governor’s is celebrating its 67th anniversary by offering its lobster roll for $11.67.
The annual promotion, known as Lobster Roll Day, begins when restaurants open at 8 a.m. and continues until supplies run out.
Governor’s operates six locations across Maine in Old Town, Bangor, Ellsworth, Waterville, Lewiston and Presque Isle.
Customers should be aware that several locations are offering cash-only drive-thru service for the event.
Join Girl Scouts of Maine for a sweet summer stop you won’t want to miss!
We’re popping up at local ice cream shops around Maine for our Ice Cream Socials—fun, casual events where families can enjoy a free treat and learn more about Girl Scouts.
Here’s what to expect:
🍦 One FREE kid-sized cone per family when you stop by and connect with us
🌱 Hands-on activity for kids (like a planting activity or fidget spinner craft)
💬 A chance to chat with our team and learn how Girl Scouts builds confidence, friendships, and unforgettable experiences
Whether you’re curious about joining, looking for activities for your child, or just want to enjoy a sweet treat, we’d love to meet you!
✨ Open to all families—no registration required. Just stop by, say hello, and enjoy some ice cream with us.
The Saco Scoop
05:30 PM – 07:30 PM on Tue, 14 Jul 2026
The recent rain in Maine is easing the drought that parts of the state have been experiencing since the fall.
Scott Dean, a Spectrum meteorologist, said much of Maine has been at least “dry” for several months. Parts of the state, including Portland, Bangor and Bar Harbor, are under a “moderate” drought.
Much of the country is also experiencing a drought, Dean added. The Southeast is seeing extreme levels of drought, and the West coast has been under a drought for years. There are many factors that go into this, including climate change, weather patterns like El Niño and La Niña and other factors.
And, when an area does experience drought, it can become a feedback loop. With less moisture in the ground and atmosphere, the drought can “feed upon itself,” Dean said.
“It takes a while to get into a drought and it also takes a while to get out of one,” Dean said.
But, the rainy days in Maine have been alleviating the drought, Dean said. And, the trend is likely to continue — the forecast is predicting above average levels of precipitation for the next three to four weeks.
“Hopefully, we are continuing to head in the right direction as the drought has eased in these areas,” Dean said.
In fact, if these rains do continue, Maine could come out of the drought sometime this summer.
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