Maine’s grid operator has thrown its weight behind a major wind energy push in the state’s north. ISO-New England is backing a plan to bring 1,200 megawatts of wind power online in Aroostook County. That’s enough electricity to power around 475,000 homes.
The Maine Public Utilities Commission recently issued its final Request for Proposals for the project. It’s targeting onshore wind and other renewables in northern Maine. The plan pairs wind generation with a new transmission line running from near Houlton to a upgraded substation in Pittsfield. That line could stretch more than 100 miles.
This isn’t Maine’s first attempt at large-scale wind development. The Number Nine Wind Farm was canceled in 2016. The Aroostook Renewable Gateway fell through in December 2023 due to cost and route concerns. Maine lawmakers pushed for new action in 2021, directing officials to develop a procurement process and transmission line.
ISO-New England’s involvement makes this attempt different from past efforts. The regional grid operator’s Long-Term Transmission Planning process includes this project. It’s targeting project selection by approximately September 2026. Grid connection could happen as early as 2032.
The transmission line isn’t just for Maine. It’ll help send wind power south to other New England states. Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut are all expected to help share the costs. That regional support could save Maine electricity customers hundreds of millions of dollars.
Officials say the project is important for keeping energy affordable and reliable. PUC Chair Phil Bartlett called it valuable for meeting growing energy demand. DOER Acting Commissioner Dan Burgess called it a critical step toward clean, affordable power. Maine has a legal goal of reaching 100% clean electricity by 2040. Local communities hosting the projects have raised questions about receiving meaningful economic benefits while the power generated primarily serves southern urban markets.
Environmental group NRCM’s Jack Shapiro said the project sets high standards for community engagement and environmental care. He also noted that ISO-NE’s backing is a key difference from earlier failed attempts. Local communities hosting the projects have raised questions about receiving meaningful economic benefits while the power generated primarily serves southern urban markets.
Bids were due by the end of February 2026. The Department of Energy Resources is required to start competitive procurement by January 15, 2026. According to the competitive solicitation schedule, broader solicitations are set to begin in January 2027.
References
- https://www.envirolink.org/2026/01/30/maine-seeks-1200-mw-of-northern-wind-power-but-energy-wont-stay-local/
- https://www.mainepublic.org/climate/2025-12-22/maine-revives-aroostook-county-wind-power-project
- https://www.nrcm.org/news/nrcm-statement-northern-maine-renewable-rfp/
- https://www.maine.gov/energy/sites/maine.gov.energy/files/inline-files/DOER 2026 competitive solicitations Dec 19 2025.pdf
- https://www.rtoinsider.com/122249-maine-puc-issues-multi-state-tx-generation-procurement/
- https://thecounty.me/2025/10/23/business-news/northern-maine-wind-and-transmission-line-project-gets-puc-priority-nod/
- https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/11/03/aroostook/aroostook-business/maine-aroostook-renewables-wind-energy-project-transmission-line-rfp/
