Mainers will have the opportunity to weigh in on a proposed natural gas rate hike by Northern Utilities, better known in the state as Unitil.
The Maine Public Advocate has explained that the company requested a distribution rate increase from the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
Unitil filed its request with the Maine PUC on June 1, indicating that on average customers could see an $11 per month increase in distribution fees.
Amanda Vicinanzo, spokesperson for Unitil, said in an interview reported by Maine Public that the hike was intended to help keep up with rising business costs.
“Anything that goes along with routine maintenance, and updating infrastructure and just making sure that we’re able to safely and reliably continue to deliver service,” Vicinanzo said.
Unitil last increased rates in 2023, at which time costs went up by an average of $7 per month.
The first hearing for the latest proposed rate hikes is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21 at 5pm, at Portland City Hall, located at 389 Congress St. in Portland.
A second hearing will take place next week, on Tuesday, July 28, at 5pm, at the Lewiston Public Library’s Callahan Room, at 200 Lisbon St. in Lewiston.
At each of these hearings, there will be opportunities for both in-person and remote participation.
According to WMTW, those who wish to comment remotely must email [email protected] by 4pm on Monday, July 20, for the Portland hearing or by 4pm on Monday, July 27, for the Lewiston hearing.
Comments may be submitted to the PUC online at their website under docket number 2026-00049.
The PUC is run by Democrat’s.
Which “ new increase “ ….Which new “ tax “ will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back ?
Hanna Pingree will try her best to find out the answer to that question .
You better choose wisely in November .
Democrats are responsible for everything that is wrong in our state.