Portland officials urged to advocate for residents affected by CMP transmission project
Portland City Council Authorizes Mayor to Testify on Central Maine Power Grid Upgrade Amid Rising Public Concerns
PORTLAND – The Portland City Council unanimously approved a resolution on Monday authorizing Mayor Mark Dion to prepare testimony for the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regarding Central Maine Power’s (CMP) planned upgrade of transmission lines that will run through North Deering and other parts of the Greater Portland area. The decision comes after a wave of local criticism over the project’s lack of transparency and the potential impact on residential neighborhoods.
CMP’s proposal, first outlined in a July filing with the PUC, seeks to replace and rebuild a stretch of high‑voltage lines that currently link Yarmouth to Portland, as well as a separate segment in Westbrook. The company estimates the first phase, which would upgrade lines north of Portland, will cost about $547 million. CMP says the upgrade is necessary to protect over 200,000 customers—including hospitals, schools and other critical facilities—from outages and to provide a more reliable power supply.
Mayor Dion, who has met with CMP officials, said in a statement after the council vote, “You’ve been heard. We’re going to do our best to stand between CMP and you to get some good answers.” He added that Portland will remain an active participant in the PUC review process.
The city’s decision follows a growing outcry from residents who learned of the project only in recent weeks—some through lawn signs, others when a neighbor knocked on their door. “The information has been deeply inadequate,” said Charise Corsino of Curtis Road, who told councilors that new poles could rise to 110 feet and that residents are stonewalled when they ask for details. “Portland’s power needs don’t require us to accept a massive buildout through existing neighborhoods.”
Ben Haber of Hope Avenue echoed the sentiment, warning that the line would “destroy the neighborhood” and pleading for city advocacy on behalf of local homeowners. The most affected area is the stretch off Alice Street, Curtis Road and Hope Avenue, where the proposed lines would cross backyards and sheds. The line will also pass residential zones between Ocean Avenue, the former city landfill and dog park, and cross Ledgewood Drive and Allen Avenue Extension.
In addition to the mayor’s forthcoming testimony, the council scheduled a panel discussion for Wednesday with CMP representatives, citizen advocates and Maine Public Advocate Heather Sanborn. The panel will take place under the auspices of the city’s sustainability and transportation committee.
A separate issue on Monday’s agenda was the city’s response to a surge in proposals for large data centers. The council passed a resolution to have planning staff draft new regulations governing such facilities, citing concerns about unregulated development. Councilor Pious Ali noted, “We have seen how it’s going in other parts of the country, and the planning board should review and advise us accordingly.”
The PUC review process, which typically takes about a year, began in July. Residents have pointed out that the November 10 public meeting on the project occurs after the October 30 deadline for submitting testimony— a deadline that was originally set a week earlier. A group organized as the Alliance for Responsible Infrastructure has been rallying neighbors in opposition and urging city officials to verify the necessity of the upgrade.
Meanwhile, the town of Falmouth passed a resolution opposing the CMP project and asked regulators to consider alternatives. The resolution signals a growing regional debate over how best to balance grid reliability with community impact.
As the PUC moves forward, Mayor Dion has pledged to keep Portland’s voice present throughout the review, and the city council remains focused on ensuring that residents’ concerns are fully considered in the decision that could reshape the region’s power infrastructure.
