Maine voters reject plan for non-profit power utility backed by climate groups

Towers supporting electricity lines are seen in a power corridor in Brunswick, Maine. Voters in the state rejected replacing private utilities with a non-profit. Photograph: Robert F Bukaty/AP

Maine voters turned down an attempt on Tuesday to oust the state’s corporate-owned electric utilities and replace them with a non-profit backed by climate advocacy groups.

In one of several ballot initiatives, Maine voters rejected the proposed takeover of the two investor-owned utilities that distribute 97% of electricity in the state.