The town of Millinocket, Maine has a basic understanding of the economy that seems to be lacking in the state and federal government. Millinocket has resumed work on the creation of a new public utility for the area in the hopes of attracting business. While unsure of whether they would be involved in generation or just the distribution of electricity, the town council understands that cheap electricity rates will attract business to the area.
As reported in the 04 July, 2009 issue of the Bangor Daily News, town manager Eugene Conlogue is looking to hire a consultant to study the issue. Town council members have already looked at the model of Madison Electric Works in Madison, Maine. This utility offers some of the lowest electricity rates in the state which has helped to draw businesses like Backyard Farms to the area which employs 130 full time workers.
If the town council of a small Maine town can understand the importance of low energy rates to economic development, why can’t the state and federal government do the same. When Rep. Michaud and Rep. Pingree are voting for the cap and trade energy bill which will somehow raise energy costs yet stimulate the economy, they are showing a level of ignorance on this issue. The Maine government continues to look at small renewable energy projects while ignoring the big picture of energy costs in Maine. Cheap energy is vital to the economy of this state and nation. The sooner that our leaders realize this issue, the better off we will be.
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