MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Sanborn, 207-624-3687, Heather.Sanborn@maine.gov
November 18, 2025|HALLOWELL – Maine Public Advocate Heather Sanborn today released the following statement commending the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for dismissing Central Maine Power’s (CMP) proposed five-year rate plan, a filing that would have significantly increased electric distribution costs for Maine households beginning in 2026.
“The Public Utilities Commission made the right call today in dismissing CMP’s five-year rate proposal. At a time when thousands of Maine people are already struggling to afford their electric bills, CMP’s plan simply asked for far too much.
“While this decision prevents a deeply flawed proposal from moving forward right now, we know that CMP will have the opportunity to refile. In the meantime, we look forward to engaging with other stakeholders and the Commission in providing our utilities with guidance about designing a rate plan proposal that keeps affordability and improved performance as the central focus. The Office of the Public Advocate will scrutinize any future proposal to ensure that any increases are reasonable, necessary, and in the best interest of Maine consumers.
“The decision today reflects the fact that Mainers were very engaged and spoke out about the unaffordability of CMP’s proposal. Maine ratepayers deserve a voice in decisions that directly affect their household budgets, and the Office of the Public Advocate will be there to represent them every step of the way.”
Public Advocate Heather Sanborn will hold a media availability today at 1pm at Portland City Hall, Room 24 (basement level, accessible from Myrtle Street).