'You can't do that to Mainers': CMP customers relieved after rate increase plan rejected

PORTLAND (WGME) — The Maine Public Utilities Commission has unanimously rejected Central Maine Power’s plan to raise power bills every year for the next five years.

This came after state leaders and ratepayers loudly objected.

The PUC and CMP agree that improvements to the grid are necessary, just not at the price.

The Maine Public Advocate expects CMP to file another rate increase proposal.

Nonetheless, many residents say they were pleasantly surprised that the plan, in its current form, was denied.

“I’m surprised they did the right thing,” Portland resident Raymond Ouellette said.

CMP’s five-year plan has been voted down.

The PUC rejected CMP’s proposal, which would have raised prices $35 a month on most bills over the course of five years.

CMP said while affordability is a concern, it insisted it needs the money to upgrade the grid and hire more workers.

But the PUC dismissed the proposal, to the delight of longtime Portland residents like Ouellette.

“Everything’s going up. Everything’s increasing. And CMP wants to tack on an extra $35 on top of what we’re paying for winter prices? It’s ludicrous. Where’s the outrage?” Ouellette said. “It’s not right. You can’t do that to Mainers.”

CMP declined our request for an interview but did issue a statement.

“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.”

Another CMP ratepayer, who preferred to remain anonymous, says she’s lived in Portland most of her life.

She says she’s seen her CMP bill increase over the years.

“Seems like very often, CMP gets what they’re asking for,” the woman said. “I was surprised and relieved. Things just incrementally get more expensive over time. Seems to be how the world works.”

In a poll on WGME.com Tuesday, 91 percent of respondents said they would not be willing to pay more for an improved grid.