Lawmakers have tweaked Maine’s controversial solar subsidy program several times since they launched in 2019, and they are divided over a bill expected to face votes in the next two weeks.

The measure is drawing pushback from some solar firms and clean energy advocates who argue it will slash a program helping around 100,000 Mainers. But Warren and Maine’s ratepayer advocate said it will protect small projects and ensure developers can still earn a fair return but limit steep rate hikes that Mainers have had to bear in recent years .

“We need to keep supporting solar, but we also need to make sure the program doesn’t place unnecessary costs on Maine families and small businesses,” Rep. Sophie Warren, D-Scarborough, the bill’s sponsor, said Friday.

The continued split in the State Hous

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