Protesters gathered in Freeport earlier this month as the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) considered Central Maine Power (CMP)’s proposal to raise residential electricity rates by an average of $420 per year. The plan has garnered mixed reactions across the state, with some calling it unaffordable and others supporting CMP’s effort to modernize the power grid and create jobs. Public comments submitted to the MPUC demonstrate the wide range of opinions from residents and organizations both supporting and opposing the proposed rate increase.
On Oct. 13, a group of protestors from a new grassroots coalition called ‘Fight the Hike’ gathered in Freeport at the first of two public hearings held on the same day by MPUC to protest the increased rate.
“I #FightTheHike because fair rates are key to electrifying our future and cutting carbon. No family should ever have to choose between heat, food and medicine,” shared the coalition in a recent Instagram post.
According to a recent News Center Maine article, the proposed rate would average to about an additional $420 per year, which would culminate in a $1.4 billion yield. CMP plans to use this money to create 400 jobs and improve existing grids, while also managing future storm-related outages.
In a statement issued on Sept. 16, Governor Janet Mills responded to CMP’s filing with MPUC, citing concerns about affordability for Maine residents — especially those in rural areas of the state.
“Today’s request from CMP blatantly ignores the economic reality that Maine people face every day, especially seniors on fixed incomes, small businesses and residents of rural Maine, who are struggling with high costs of electricity, groceries, housing and health care. Yet CMP wants to raise their electricity bills again,” said Governor Mills. “I recognize that investing in our grid to improve reliability is important, but this request is massive and unacceptable.
MPUC’s public commentary session following the hearings revealed mixed reactions. Community members who are opposed to the rate increase expressed discontent with the previous increase in pricing that occurred a few years ago and reason the hike in prices is beyond what the average Maine resident can afford to pay. Community members who support the proposal look to decrease power outages and create new jobs.
Stephen Moriarty, a resident of West Bath, shared his thoughts on who the proposal will impact most in Maine.
“CMP’s proposal seeks an additional $1.5 billion in rate hikes over the next five years, further straining residents who are grappling with some of the nation’s highest electricity rates. This increase disproportionately impacts low-income families and small businesses, raising serious concerns about fairness and equity across our communities,” said Moriarty.
He added that the proposal fails to consider affordable, non-wire alternatives and questioned whether CMP had fully explored more cost-effective options before seeking such a large increase.
“The proposal fails to consider cost-effective, non-wires alternatives that could alleviate the financial burden on ratepayers. While investments in Maine’s grid are necessary, they must be implemented in a manner that is both fair and accountable. CMP’s plan is excessive, lacks sufficient oversight and prioritizes shareholder profits over the economic well-being of Maine residents,” said Moriarty.
Tawni Whitney, a Freeport resident writing on behalf of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce, offered a contrasting perspective at MPUC’s public hearing, voicing support for CMP’s proposal.
“This comprehensive five-year plan is a critical step toward enhancing the reliability and resilience of Maine’s electric grid, which is vital for our businesses and communities. The proposed investments — ranging from the hiring of 400 new Maine-based employees, including 200 lineworkers, to the installation of modern infrastructure designed to withstand extreme weather — are commendable,” said Whitney.
Whitney added that these efforts would not only improve service reliability but also stimulate job creation and economic growth throughout the state.
“Strengthening Maine’s energy infrastructure is essential for supporting local economies, attracting new businesses, and ensuring that our communities remain vibrant and sustainable,” said Whitney.
The MPUC is expected to review public feedback and make a final decision on CMP’s proposal in the coming months, a ruling that could set a precedent for how Maine balances affordability with growing energy needs.
