Maine PUC staff recommends rejecting CMP's temporary rate hike

MAINE PUBLIC • September 28, 2026

Maine Public Utility Commission staff recommended that state utility regulators reject Central Maine Power's request to impose a temporary rate hike as the commission continues debating the company's request for new long-term prices. Groups that oppose CMP's proposal to raise about $189 million in long-term electric distribution rates argue it is too early in the lengthy rate negotiation process to grant any new increase. But CMP said it is facing significant financial pressure and needs a short-term cash infusion to cover investments it has already made. The company is seeking to increase customer bills about $7 a month in October to cover $69 million in costs.