Maine Launches Data Center Advisory Council

On April 29, 2026, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed an executive order establishing the Maine Data Center Advisory Council, composed of 17 members who deliver a report and recommendations on large-scale data center development to the Governor and Legislature. These recommendations, focused on methods to protect ratepayers, support grid reliability, mitigate environmental impacts, and promote sustainable economic growth, are due to the Governor and Legislature by January 29, 2027.

The Commissioner of the Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER) serves as Co-Chair of the Advisory Council, alongside the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). On May 20, 2026, DOER and DEP announced the launch of the Maine Data Center Advisory Council, which held a public kickoff meeting on June 3, 2026.

The executive order also directs DOER and the Maine Public Utilities Commission to evaluate methods to protect ratepayers from energy costs associated with data centers. On May 20, 2026, DOER sent a letter to the Maine Public Utilities Commission, requesting coordination on this effort.