A propane explosion killed 2 women in Old Orchard Beach over the weekend. Here’s how to stay safe dealing with the fuel — and what to do if you smell gas.
Daniel Kool
Staff Writer
Daniel Kool is the Portland Press Herald's utilities reporter, covering electricity, gas, broadband - anything you get a bill for. He also covers the impact of tariffs on Maine and picks up the odd business story. He joined the Press Herald in 2024 as the night reporter. A graduate of Boston University, he previously covered city news, transportation and higher education for the Boston Globe. His work has also appeared in GBH News, the Boston Globe Magazine and Boston University's student newspaper, where he was the city news editor. A midwestern transplant, Daniel lives in Biddeford, where he plays with keyboards and little noise-making boxes.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Maine Crime, News
Scams are on the rise. What should you do if you fall victim?
Maine has seen an increase in scammers impersonating business and government officials. Here’s how to react if you get — or click — a suspicious link.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
CMP’s 5-year plan to add workers, lower storm costs carries big price tag
The company is asking state regulators for permission to increase revenue by more than $400 million between 2026 and 2031.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine regulators seek bids for renewable energy on PFAS-contaminated land
The Maine Public Utilities Commission said it would only select projects that would lower the cost of electrical generation and distribution for the state’s ratepayers.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Border crossings into Maine from Canada continue to fall
The 28% decline in visitors so far this year has outpaced preseason forecasts.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine’s high court hears Bath Iron Works lawsuit over paid family leave rules
The shipyard and the Maine Chamber of Commerce sued the state over a new 1% payroll tax. It could affect 1,500 companies and 40% of the state’s workers.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
With federal tax credit ending, Maine’s solar installers plan end-of-year sprint
The companies expect demand to jump as residential customers attempt to purchase solar systems before a long-standing 30% residential clean energy credit expires Dec. 31.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
New Maine laws will change electricity billing, formalize energy goals
Among a slate of energy laws passed this session are ones that will change the state’s contentious net energy billing program and create a new Department of Energy Resources.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine solar company says tax credit changes could slow installations, force layoffs
Tax credits that would have lasted into the 2030s could end this year under Congress’ latest draft of the budget reconciliation. That could undercut demand for new solar projects.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
85,000 fewer visitors crossed into Maine from Canada this May compared to last year
Data from the start of tourist season indicates that Canadians continue to avoid visiting the U.S. in light of President Donald Trump’s trade war and rhetoric.