Maine PUC dismisses CMP’s latest rate increase proposal

HALLOWELL, Maine (WABI) - A rate hike that would’ve ultimately added about $35 a month to some Mainers’ electric bills isn’t going forward at this time.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission Tuesday morning dismissed a five-year rate increase proposal from Central Maine Power.

CMP filed the plan in September. According to the PUC, it was met with a wave of backlash, including more than 800 written comments and packed public meetings.

Commissioners say while they will consider future rate increases and system investments are necessary, this proposal raised many concerns including affordability.

“CMP’s proposal does not seem to reflect a serious consideration of the ability of customers to pay for all of this. We are in a low-income state where so many of our citizens struggle mightily to pay their electricity bills at today’s rates. As much as we would all like to rebuild the system promptly to greatly increase reliability and resilience, our people simply can’t afford to do so at the pace proposed here,” said commissioner Patrick Scully.

The PUC says it will open a proceeding to provide guidance on a more acceptable multi-year rate plan.

Governor Mills released a statement in response to the decision, saying:

“The PUC was right to dismiss this outrageous request from CMP. While strengthening the grid is important and much needed, CMP’s request – the largest ever in Maine history – was excessive and completely out of touch with the economic reality facing Maine people. This decisive outcome reflects the intent of the legislation I signed to ensure that utility investments are transparent, accountable, and responsive to meaningful input from Maine people. My Administration will continue to prioritize affordable and reliable energy for all Maine people and we will remain stalwart in holding utilities accountable toward that end.”

CMP released a statement this afternoon, saying:

“Maine is at a critical crossroads. As the state faces the impacts of extreme weather and rapidly growing energy demands, this decision represents a step backward. Affordability remains a key concern, and we are committed to finding a path forward that balances cost with system reliability. However, delaying action on essential priorities, such as grid investment, vegetation management, and staffing will ultimately cost Mainers more in the short and long run. CMP should be allowed to fairly recover costs already invested to improve the grid, and we will carefully review the Commission’s final order when it is issued.”