Sept. 8, 2010

Verso to increase wood power production at Maine pulp mill, will sell onto grid [From the web]

BUCKSPORT, ME, Sept. 8, 2010 (Local News) - The Maine Public Utilities Commission has unanimously approved a long-term contract with the Verso Paper in Bucksport for biomass-generated electricity. PUC Chairman Jack Cashman says the five-year contract is important to meeting the state's goal of generating more electricity from renewable resources.

Verso intends to generate electricity from the mill's wood waste. Cashman says that's a win for both the company and for ratepayers.

"I am in favor of this proposal because of a number of things, not the least of which is that I think conservative analysis by our consultants shows a net present value benefit to ratepayers, but also the environmental changes this will bring about that I think are desirable."

Cashman and Commissioner Vandean Vafiades were in agreement in approving the contract, and in adding language that prevents Central Maine Power Company from vetoing the agreement. The commission has the option to extend the agreement for another five years.

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