Janet Mills

Built World

Recognized as 'Clean Energy Champion' by Maine Renewable Energy Association (February 2026)

Maine had zero utility-scale battery storage until six weeks ago. Plus Power's 175-megawatt Cross Town facility in Gorham began operations on February 11, 2026, capable of powering 19,000 homes for two hours and storing surplus wind power from northern Maine for dispatch to Boston during peak demand. This marked the largest system on the New England grid at the time.

Updated Feb 24

Rule Changes

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 Feb 11

Built World

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 Feb 1

Built World

In office since January 2019

For 40 years, Hydro-Québec wanted to sell more power to New England. For 40 years, transmission bottlenecks and local opposition stopped them. On January 16, 2026, a 145-mile power line through Maine's western woods began delivering 1,200 megawatts of Canadian hydroelectricity to Massachusetts—enough to supply 20% of the state's needs and the largest clean energy transmission addition to New England's grid in decades. Ten days later, during a winter storm, the line went dark.

Updated Jan 30