Grid & Climate Planning

Planning a Resilient Grid for a Sustainable Future

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.

 

Past Meetings:

Nov. 14

Integrated Grid Planning Forecasting and Scenario Development presentation
Download

Upcoming meetings:

Climate Vulnerability Study update: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19

RSVP for Microsoft Teams link at gridandclimate@versantpower.com (with “Climate” in the subject line).

Community meetings

MILO: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, Three Rivers Kiwanis of Milo/Brownville, 15 Harris Pond Road.

Additional meetings will be scheduled throughout Versant Power’s service territory in northern and eastern Maine. Topics include:

  • Who is Versant Power, and what is the utility’s role in grid and climate planning?
  • What are the grid and climate planning processes, and how do they affect me?
  • How do I get more involved and/or offer feedback?

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 (DI/Stonington, Ellsworth, Bar Harbor or Blue Hill).

Background

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: 

  • Identified Priorities: Utilities must create detailed plans that address reliability and resilience improvements, improve data quality for distribution system planning, and promote flexible management of customers resources including renewable energy integration, electric vehicle charging, and heating electrification, all while maintaining affordability for its customers. 
  • Climate Alignment: These plans must support Maine's ambitious climate goals, including substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. 
  • Public Engagement: Utilities are required to actively engage with stakeholders, fostering open dialogue and transparency throughout the planning process. 
  • Grid Modernization: The plans should outline necessary upgrades and investments to ensure a resilient and efficient grid capable of meeting future energy demands. 

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. 

Grid Planning Sign Up Button

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