Maine customers likely to pay at least $150 more for electricity next year, public advocate says • Maine Morning Star

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Maine’s electricity rate hike is more than a budget concern—it’s a test of trust, transparency, and fairness.

The report that Mainers could pay at least $150 more for electricity next year hits home for families, retirees, and small businesses alike. In a state where winters are long and incomes are stretched, this kind of increase isn’t just inconvenient—it’s destabilizing.

People want answers. Why are rates rising so sharply? Who’s accountable? And what’s being done to protect those who can’t absorb another hit to their monthly bills?

This moment calls for leadership that prioritizes:

• Clear oversight of utility companies and their rate-setting processes

• Support for community-based energy solutions that reduce dependence on monopolies

• Relief for vulnerable households through targeted assistance and smarter grid planning

• Investment in local infrastructure that balances reliability with affordability

Whether you live in a coastal town, a rural community, or a growing suburb, the message is the same: Mainers deserve energy policy that works for them—not just for the companies that send the bills.

Maine Morning Star - Maine customers likely to pay at least $150 more for electricity next year, public advocate says • Maine Morning Star