It was insanity to force Central Maine Power customers to an increase of over 80%, but they got it! Now again, by Public Utility Commission’s sanction, CMP is going after another series of rate hikes.

It’s been my understanding from a credible source that although CMP is to be a non-profit it has an in-house profit plan. The more expenses, the more profit.

On Aug. 22, I received a CMP letter — after the Aug. 19 conference on the rate hikes. The letter gives customers until Aug. 24 to notify the PUC in writing with the docket number, which was conveniently left out of the letter. If our petitions to intervene were received prior to the conference, they would be considered. The customer letter was too late!

The PUC declares (via the letter) customers may appear at a hearing if one is held. And the PUC maintains in its letter that newspaper notices of any proceedings or hearing, if held, may not be given to the general public and CMP customers.

Too long has the PUC been self-operating without outside oversight, policing or regimented action of decisions. In short, the PUC is free to and usually does grant most all of CMP’s rate hikes.

Again, the 80% rate hike drives our electric bills up $20-$30 per month! Now more rate hikes! The elderly are on fixed incomes are being strangled. All CMP customers who not well-heeled are hurting.

It’s time someone somewhere reigns the PUC in and forces CMP to improve its management. A source is needed outside of the PUC to oversee CMP’s operating costs.

 

Essie Golden

Bingham

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