Janet Mills

Stories

America's grid-scale battery buildout

As of May 2026: Recognized as 'Clean Energy Champion' by Maine Renewable Energy Association (February 2026)

Maine had no utility-scale battery storage until Plus Power's 175-megawatt Cross Town facility in Gorham began operations on February 11, 2026. It can power 19,000 homes for two hours and store surplus wind power from northern Maine for dispatch to Boston during peak demand — the largest on the New England grid at the time.

Updated May 29

Trump administration shifts to partisan governance model

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Engaged in ongoing legal dispute with administration

For 118 years, the National Governors Association brought state leaders of both parties to the White House for working sessions with the president. That ended this week when President Trump limited invitations to Republicans only, prompting the organization's Republican chairman to withdraw it from the event entirely. Eighteen Democratic governors announced a boycott of the traditional White House dinner, and two governors—Maryland's Wes Moore and Colorado's Jared Polis—were excluded from all events without explanation.

Updated May 27

New England clean energy connect transmission line

Built World

As of May 2026: Serving as Governor; key project supporter

New England has paid some of the highest electricity prices in the country for decades, hostage to constrained natural gas pipelines that spike costs every winter. On January 16, 2026, a $1.6 billion transmission line began delivering 1,200 megawatts of Canadian hydropower to the region—enough to meet 20% of Massachusetts' electricity needs and save ratepayers an estimated $50 million annually.

Updated May 26

Quebec's power reaches Massachusetts after a decade of delays

Built World

As of May 2026: In office since January 2019

For 40 years, transmission bottlenecks and opposition blocked Hydro-Québec from selling more power to New England. On January 16, 2026, a 145-mile power line through Maine began delivering 1,200 megawatts of Canadian hydroelectricity to Massachusetts—20% of the state's needs and the largest clean energy transmission addition to the region in decades. The line went dark when a winter storm hit 10 days later.

Updated May 21

Notable Quotes

"See you in court." — To President Trump, February 21, 2025

from Trump administration shifts to partisan governance model · Updated May 27

"No President—Republican or Democrat—can withhold Federal funding authorized and appropriated by Congress and paid for by Maine taxpayers in an attempt to coerce someone into compliance with his will." — Statement, February 2025

from Trump administration shifts to partisan governance model · Updated May 27

"The NECEC project will provide substantial benefits to Maine people through electricity rate relief, funding for energy efficiency upgrades, broadband, education, and other key investments, all while strengthening our grid and without costing Maine ratepayers." — January 2026

from New England clean energy connect transmission line · Updated May 26

"The transmission line project, substantially enhanced by this Stipulation, now is poised to benefit Maine people, to inject millions into our economy, to create jobs, to fund electric vehicles, to reduce electricity costs, to expand broadband, and substantially reduce our carbon footprint."

from Quebec's power reaches Massachusetts after a decade of delays · Updated May 21