BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 19, 2021
Unfortunately, there are no quick, simple answers to rising energy prices. But, big rate increases should spur action to change the state’s energy mix. Reconsideration of how electricity prices are set should also be on the table. Residential customers who buy standard offer electricity from Versant will see an 89 percent increase in their power supply rate, beginning in January. Standard offer rates for customers of Central Maine Power will rise by 83 percent. Nearly all residential utility customers pay the standard offer rate. Increasing supply from renewable sources is a big part of the solution. The amount of electricity produced by renewable sources is growing in New England, but too slowly to meet demand. The New England Clean Energy Connect corridor wouldn’t have helped reduce electricity prices this winter, but projects like it will be necessary to meet both energy demand and climate change targets moving forward.