Tony Sapienza is business manager for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1837.

CMP’s new rate proposal offers something Maine rarely gets: a plan that strengthens our electric grid and our skilled workforce while reducing electric rates. At a time when families are stretched thin and affordability is more important than ever, this is a chance to do right by both ratepayers and workers. Under CMP’s proposal, the average residential customer will see their monthly bill go down by about $4 starting in July 2026.

This is made even more important given that Maine’s electric bills increased $12 a month due to unregulated generation costs that CMP has nothing to do with. This decrease is possible because CMP is updating storm restoration costs. Maine had an unusually calm storm year in 2025. That means there will be a decrease in storm costs to Mainers’ benefit that will show up as that $4 a month going back to Maine families.

A central piece of CMP’s proposal is the hiring of dozens of new union lineworkers. These are stable, career level jobs that keep Mainers working here at home, supporting their families and contributing to their communities. These new lineworkers will pay for themselves with savings by reducing the need for very expensive out-of-state storm contractors.

When CMP has to bring in out-of-state crews for storm restoration work, last-minute travel and lodging make storm response far more expensive, and those costs ultimately show up on customer bills. By employing more full-time local lineworkers, CMP can reduce its reliance on costly out-of-state crews and help minimize storm recovery charges.

CMP has also made progress with its Union Trade Internship program for high school students, but those students need a place to land after training at institutions like Kennebec Valley Community College. This plan creates that pathway and helps grow the next generation of Maine tradespeople.

As traditional industries like fishing and forestry continue to face challenges, Maine cannot afford to turn away opportunities to strengthen our skilled workforce. When other industries are cutting back or pulling out of the state, adding skilled trades jobs is a rare and welcome step forward.

It’s important to recognize that this proposal is not the same proposal CMP put forward last year. The company heard the feedback from regulators and customers and listened. This version brings with it an immediate rate decrease. This shows the company recognizes the financial pressures households and businesses face. This proposal balances long-term grid needs with short-term affordability, something Maine has struggled to achieve in energy planning in the past.

Now is the time to stay focused on the realities our electric grid is facing. Even the strongest, most forward looking grid plan won’t work without trained workers, the people needed to build, maintain and restore the energy system. Hiring local workers, improving storm response and relieving pressure on customers’ bills are goals that serve every corner of the state.

This proposal moves Maine in the right direction on all three of these goals. Let’s take this opportunity to strengthen the electric grid, reduce costs and support local Maine workers.