Transmission line upgrade hearing

Portland Press Herald:

“Hearings to allow public comment on a $1.4 billion proposal to upgrade much of the state’s electrical-transmission infrastructure will begin Wednesday with a session in Waterville.The Maine Public Utilities Commission has scheduled two public hearings to allow residents to offer their opinions on a Central Maine Power Co. proposal to add 350 miles of high-voltage transmission lines.

A PUC spokesman said the agency will plan additional public sessions after November.

The proposed 345,000-volt transmission lines would stretch from the southern end of the state through 80 municipalities in the Portland, Augusta and Pittsfield areas. The lines would end near Bangor.

The Waterville public-comment session will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Waterville City Hall. Lewiston City Hall will host a session at 6 p.m. on Nov. 24.”