A contractor’s federal lawsuit accuses Avangrid of price-fixing and overpaying for products, while the energy company has accused the contractor of attempted extortion.
Edward D. Murphy
Ed covers the City of Westbrook and business stories for the Portland Press Herald.
Lawsuit accuses CMP parent Avangrid of racketeering, fraud
The plaintiff, a former subcontractor, alleges Avangrid bought unnecessary equipment knowing it could recover the costs through higher electricity rates for customers in Maine and elsewhere.
Canadian publisher buys Maine magazines
Advocate Printing and Publishing, based in Atlantic Canada, is buying Maine Magazine and Maine Home + Design.
CMP announces leadership changes it says will improve reliability
Central Maine Power Co. said it is focused on making changes recommended in a recent management audit of the utility.
UMaine to establish farm-to-school institute
Federal funding will help pay for the new institute to connect schools in the state with locally grown food and help educate rural students about nutrition.
Long-term care insurer in Maine seeks triple-digit rate increases
Genworth Life Insurance Co., with which nearly 4,100 Mainers have policies, is seeking premium increases of up to 178 percent on various plans in 2022.
Environmental groups seek suspension of power line project’s federal permits
The groups have asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Department of Energy to suspend permits for New England Clean Energy Connect, citing the project’s other recent setbacks.
Maine lawmaker who flouted pandemic rules resigns after wife’s COVID-19 death
State Rep. Chris Johansen, R-Monticello, contracted COVID-19 this summer along with his wife, Cindy, who later died from the virus.
NECEC is halting payments while work on Maine energy corridor is suspended
The developers of a 145-mile transmission line through the state agreed to suspend work but said that also means payments for benefits will be held back.
Maine DEP suspends construction license for $1 billion power line
The license will be reinstated if the New England Clean Energy Connect project’s developer wins its legal fights over state land or a pending statutory ban.