Maine nurses union endorses campaign to create consumer-owned utility

The Maine State Nurses Association on Wednesday backed the campaign to replace Maine’s unpopular investor-owned utilities with a consumer-owned model, arguing that the proposed Pine Tree Power Company would be better for the health and well-being of their patients.

Question 3, the referendum campaign endorsed by MSNA, will be voted on statewide in November. The ballot measure, spearheaded by the group Pine Tree Power, seeks to address what advocates view as widespread issues with Maine’s primary utility companies, Central Maine Power and Versant, by buying them out and instead creating a nonprofit, consumer-owned company to provide power to most of the state.

If passed, the referendum would mark a sea change in Maine’s energy future. While CMP, Versant and other critics argue that Question 3 would be an expensive gamble that might not improve the situation in Maine, supporters say the referendum would allow for a prioritization of investments in updating the grid and transitioning to clean energy because Pine Tree Power would be run as a consumer-owned utility rather than an investor-owned company like CMP and Versant that has to focus on the profits of shareholders.

At a press conference Wednesday, MSNA agreed.

“Reliable and affordable energy are necessary for the health and safety of Maine people, particularly those with chronic health conditions and those with lower incomes,” said Amy Strum, a registered nurse and a union steward at Maine Medical Center. “This is the primary reason why Maine nurses support Pine Tree Power.”

Read more: https://mainemorningstar.com/2023/09/27/maine-nurses-union-endorses-campaign-to-create-consumer-owned-utility/