BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 12, 2025
Rising utility prices are increasingly drawing scrutiny from state regulators and lawmakers nationwide. Many state leaders are considering rate freezes, additional energy assistance funds or new rates targeting large energy users such as data centers. But states only have so much control; regulators say they can’t change the fundamental market dynamics that will likely continue to push prices up. Between January and September of this year, average home electricity rates increased 11.7% — more than triple the rate of inflation. Many low-income households have long struggled to cover utility bills. Now, advocates say, high prices are affecting a growing swath of the middle class. The Maine Public Utilities Commission recently approved a supply price increase estimated to raise customer bills. And a separate rate increase request will likely come before regulators soon.