AUGUSTA - Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, House chair of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, and Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technologies Committee, issued the following statements in response to the announcement from the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) of electricity rate increases affecting both CMP and Versant Power customers starting in 2022. Berry represents a district served by CMP, and Grohoski represents a district served by Versant.
"These staggering rate hikes come hard on the heels of double-digit rate increases for both CMP and Versant, approved by the PUC just this summer," said Berry. "This latest increase is beyond our utilities' control. But as long as we give foreign governments and banks total monopolies on our critical infrastructure, and guaranteed double-digit profits on all investments, we will get the same results: soaring costs, the worst reliability in the nation and the worst customer satisfaction. If we hope to decarbonize, we need a business model we can afford for our future energy needs."
"Most hurt by these hikes are Maine's poorest and most vulnerable," continued Berry. "For the average Maine resident living on $16,000 per year, energy alone amounts to an average of $4,000 in costs."
"Skyrocketing fossil fuel costs are triggering the nearly 89% supply rate increase announced yesterday for many Versant customers," said Grohoski. "This alarming news underscores why it is important for us to quickly move away from volatile fossil fuel prices toward local, clean energy generation that has a fixed, upfront cost. I encourage every Mainer to consider subscribing to a community solar program for immediate savings you can sign up whether you rent or own your home or have a small business. Additionally, resources are available to help you with weatherization improvements and unexpected energy costs learn more by viewing the 'winter heating resource guide' at maine.gov/energy.
More information about community solar can be found via the Maine Office of the Public Advocate at maine.gov/meopa.
Berry represents House District 55 which includes Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Swan Island and most of Richmond. He previously served from 2006-2014, the final two years as House majority leader, and returned to the House in 2016.
Grohoski, who is serving her second term in the Maine House, represents the communities of Ellsworth and Trenton and is a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technologies Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Berry, Grohoski], c. 812-1111