Maine Public Utilities Commission

NEWS RELEASE

Maine Public Utilities Commission
242 State Street
Augusta, Maine 04333-0018
Website: http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/, Email: maine.puc@maine.gov
CONTACT: Phillip Lindley, 207.287.1598, phil.lindley@maine.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2005

Maine PUC Adjusts Northern Utilities Gas Price Increase
For Low Income Households

AUGUSTA, MAINE –The Public Utilities Commission provided a benefit to low-income households that will limit the increase in this winter’s natural gas to 6% for these customers of Northern Utilities. Without this benefit, the increase over last winter’s prices would have been 27%. The Commission concluded that would have imposed an undue hardship Maine’s most vulnerable working families.

“This could be a difficult winter and we are sensitive to the low-income customers who have to make difficult choices everyday,” said Kurt Adams, PUC Chair. “This benefit should help ease the burden, and the costs will be spread among all of Northern’s customers at a time when we hope we will no longer be suffering the effects of the recent hurricanes and natural gas prices will be lower,” he added.

The benefit will be available to all those who qualify for LIHEAP or for the Voluntary Fuel Fund recently initiated by the Governor. The Commission estimates that the total seasonal credit amount for an average low-income residential heating customer will be approximately $231. The costs of the program will be borne by all of the utility’s customers and will probably be recovered in next winter’s natural gas rates.

LIHEAP eligible customers are those with incomes up to 60% of Maine's median income. It is expected that the eligibility standard for the Voluntary Fuel Fund will be 80% of the State’s median income. The Maine Community Action Program (CAP) agencies will determine eligibility; customers should apply with their local CAP.

On Thursday, November 3, 2005, the Commission approved a special $25 weatherization rebate program for Northern's residential heating customers to assist them in reducing their heating costs. Residential heating customers may submit receipts and UPC codes from materials purchased for self-installation to Northern for reimbursement up to $25. This program is in addition to the other gas conservation programs approved this fall under which Northern will provide rebates for programmable thermostats, efficient gas furnaces and commercial equipment, insulated windows, and efficient gas water heaters. For more information call Northern Utilities at 1-800-677-5052 or go on line at http://www.northernutilities.com.

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For more information:

All PUC News Releases may be found on our website at: http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/staying_informed/news/press_release.shtml

To arrange an interview with Chairman Adams or Commissioners Diamond or Reishus, please contact Phillip Lindley at 207.287.1598 or by e-mail at phil.lindley@maine.gov. The Commission’s website may be accessed through the Maine School and Library Network at all public libraries in Maine.