Fires in the Amazon this summer have increased global awareness of the role of rainforests in tempering climate change. Less appreciated is the carbon storage capacity of forests like Maine’s.
Tux Turkel
Tux Turkel writes primarily about energy issues affecting Maine. Over the years, he has gazed into the spent-fuel pool at the now-gone Maine Yankee nuclear plant, looked across Casco Bay from atop Wyman Station’s smokestack, and toured power plants and wind farms across the state, but remains confused about why electricity doesn’t leak from our wall sockets.
When he’s not trying to make sense of dense regulatory filings at the Public Utilities Commission, he’s likely to be hiking in the mountains or visiting Maine’s coastal islands in his small motorboat.
A graduate of Emerson College in Boston, Tux lives in Yarmouth with his wife, youngest son, a cat and a guinea pig.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Public advocate’s study of high bills blames CMP’s meter and billing systems
The findings, which will be presented to regulators Friday, contradict a report released Tuesday by the PUC staff that attribute the spike to cold weather and a rate increase.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State
PUC staff blames frigid weather, high usage for jump in many CMP customers’ bills
The conclusion of the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s staff affirms an earlier analysis by an independent auditor, that bills spiked along with power use in the winter of 2017-18.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Public advocate calls for $1 million fine and 1-year license suspension for Electricity Maine
The state’s utilities watchdog accuses the energy provider of fraudulent or deceptive marketing, including agents posing as Central Maine Power auditors.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
As storms strengthen, Maine regulators weigh cost of keeping the lights on
CMP proposes to spend $29 million over the next two years to harden its distribution system. Regulators will have to weigh the costs against public demand for always-on electricity in the digital age.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Intense questioning fails to pierce CMP explanation: High bills are caused by high usage
Three days of expert cross-examination by regulators failed to uncover an alternative explanation of Central Maine Power’s high bills.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Lawyers for aggrieved customers pan CMP compensation fund
One lawyer says the utility’s proposed $6 million compensation fund is meant to short-circuit legal action and avoid paying an estimated $140 million in overcharges.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
CMP offers $6 million fund to compensate customers with disputed bills
Seeking to restore confidence and move past its billing system controversy, Central Maine Power proposes establishing the fund for frustrated customers and partnering with Efficiency Maine to troubleshoot complaints.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Utilities watchdog calls for regulators to pause CMP rate case
The Public Advocate’s Office is asking the Maine PUC to stay CMP’s rate case until questions about billing and management accountability are settled.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Public advocate wants new test of CMP’s troubled billing system
The test would attempt to detect patterns among customers who received high bills.