A Maine utility’s offer to spy on big electricity users in law enforcement’s search for hidden marijuana growers is raising questions….big questions about the privacy of the company’s customers.
Maine’s Versant Power made the offer as law enforcement cracks down on illegal pot growers and in doing so, often sends subpoenas to power companies to review excessive electricity use. Some have suggested it might be more efficient for utilities to report their suspicions to law enforcement.
The company’s proposal is being considered by the Maine Public Utilities Commission. The Associated Press reported a company attorney recent told the commission, “Versant has a very high success rate in being able to identify these locations, but we have no ability to communicate with law enforcement proactively.”
The Utilities Commission plans to consider the plan next week.
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