Central Maine Power’s ambitious bid for a billion-dollar overhaul of its electric system was abruptly derailed Tuesday when the Maine Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously to dismiss the utility’s five-year rate hike request, a proposal that would have pushed monthly bills up by as much as $35 by 2031 for the average household.
CMP framed the increase as essential to fund more than $1 billion in infrastructure upgrades and new staffing. According to CMP, the extra money would have been used to hire 400 new, full-time employees — including 200 line workers — and fund infrastructure improvements, such as stronger poles, upgraded substations, and better protected wires.
But Mainers responded with overwhelming opposition. Since the utility filed its case in September, more than 800 residents submitted written comments, many arguing that CMP was attempting to offload its financial risks onto already overburdened ratepayers. Hundreds attended public hearings, pushing regulators to shut the filing down.
[RELATED: CMP Looks to Raise Rates on Mainers (Again)]
PUC Chair Phil Bartlett said the proposal “misses the mark,” noting that Mainers are facing mounting affordability challenges. He said CMP’s filing underscored the need for regulators to provide clearer expectations on how utilities should measure performance and pace major system investments.
Maine Public Advocate Heather Sanborn said the commission’s rejection reflects the strong public sentiment that the rate hike was unaffordable. She said Mainers “deserve a voice” in decisions that directly impact household budgets.
“The Public Utilities Commission made the right call today in dismissing CMP’s five-year rate proposal,” said Sanborn. “At a time when thousands of Maine people are already struggling to afford their electric bills, CMP’s plan simply asked for far too much.”
Governor Janet Mills (D) also praised the outcome, calling CMP’s request “excessive” and “out of touch with the economic reality” facing residents. She pointed to legislation she enacted requiring greater transparency and accountability for utilities, saying the ruling demonstrates those reforms at work.
CMP’s rate case represented the largest proposed increase in Maine history. If approved, residential bills would have risen approximately $35 per month once fully phased in over five years. The utility argued the money was needed to bolster grid reliability, but opponents said the company’s track record and lack of clarity in the filing raised serious concerns.
Libby Palanza and Jon Fetherston contributed to this report.
