Maine shouldn't expect lower-cost, Canadian hydroelectricity to flow through the state via new transmission lines in the near future, a top Hydro-Quebec executive said here Thursday. One of the world's largest producers of hydro power, Hydro-Quebec plans to concentrate first on expanding its exports to New England with a line through New Hampshire, according to Christian Brosseau, president of subsidiary HQ Energy Services US.

A man was seriously injured after the stream roller he was operating went over an embankment and rolled over, trapping him inside. ...Officials said they were unable to fly him to the hospital because of the weather. He was taken by ambulance instead.

Selectmen have planned a special town meeting for Nov. 8 at the request of the planning board for residents to vote on two zoning ordinances on wind energy facilities. One of the ordinances would prohibit wind energy facilities to be built in rural conservation districts, which includes Tuttle Hill.

There's more to determining the value of wind power than knowing which way the wind blows -- or even how hard. MIT researchers studying winds off the Northeast coast have found that estimating the potential environmental benefits from wind and other renewables requires a detailed understanding of the dynamics of both renewable resources and conventional power generation. Data show that wind-energy facilities would generate far more electricity in winter, because that's when winds are strongest. But the need for electricity is greatest in summer, when air conditioners are going full blast.

With more than $2 million in mechanic's liens filed in New York against its parent company, a company interested in developing a wind park in Coos County has state officials asking more questions. Peter Roth, in his role as an advocate for the public's interest, has asked to recall for questioning Granite Reliable Power's chief financial officer, Christopher Lowe, for additional cross-examination.

The wind turbine being set up this week next to the fifth green of the Mountain View Grand golf course won't be considered a hazard for golfers on the fifth hole, but when it's put into operation later this fall, it will provide as much as half of the power needed for the hotel's needs. Crews began laying out the three sections of the 121-foot tower yesterday morning, which will be put in place over the next day or so next to the 128-foot water tower.