ISO-NE prepared a forecast in 2011 which outlined several scenarios for wind development in Maine. This picture taken from slides from that report shows what may happen if nothing is done to prevent it. Wind developers will continue to build wind projects, and ratepayers will share the costs of transmission, as long as there are mountains or fields on which to build turbines. The upper left shows potential wind project locations, the upper right shows the transmission needed to support these projects, and the lower left shows the transmission system upon completion of the ongoing MPRP transmission project, which is still several years from completion.
Maine's legislatively established goal of 2700 MW of wind by 2020 is not a limit. Nothing prevents developers from exceeding this goal. As the maps show, Maine may see a total of 7000 MW (7 GW) of wind. At a rate of 10 MW per mile, this will require 700 miles of turbines. Right now there are 440 MW and over 40 miles of turbines on Maine's ridges. The amount of new transmission required by this build out of wind is substantial, as can be seen by comparing the upper right and lower left maps.
Only by legislative action can this scenario be prevented. Good progress has been made in softening the public and the legislature's support for wind. Congratulations to all the wind warriors who have made this possible. If you don't like the plans that are on the drawing board for Maine, further action will be necessary. Keep your legislators informed about your opposition to the destruction of Maine's beautiful landscape.