Tab on hydropower battle tops $60M

Spending on a fall referendum aimed at stopping a utility corridor in western Maine has topped $60 million, with energy companies pouring money into advertising ahead of a Nov. 2 direct vote.

The project, which would be fully funded by Massachusetts ratepayers to meet the state’s clean energy goals, calls for construction of a high-voltage power line from Mount Beattie Township on the Canadian border to the regional power grid in Lewiston, Maine.

Since late 2019, energy companies have spent more than $60 million into the fight over the 145-mile transmission line that aims to serve as a conduit for Canadian hydropower.