LETTERS: Electricity rates continue to be a burden on Mainers

To the editor:

Rising electricity rates continue to be a burden on Mainers which is why I am writing to express concern regarding LD 186, “An Act to Clarify the Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) Authority to Establish Time of Use Pricing for Standard Offer Service.” This bill could have a significant impact on older Mainers’ electric bills.

The bill would allow the PUC to impose time of use (TOU) rates for Standard Offer Service (the supply of electricity for nearly all Maine electric customers). TOU involves charging different rates for electricity usage during peak and off-peak hours. This is something the Commission has publicly stated they wish to do, even though a full analysis has yet to be completed in Maine.

Shifting to TOU would disproportionately impact retirees, family caregivers, and those who work from home. Individuals who are home during peak hours could find it difficult to shift their energy usage to off-peak times. Also, many Mainers have switched to heat pumps or are thinking about making the switch. TOU pricing would make home heating even more expensive since these devices are 100 percent electric.

As part of a 2022 proceeding, the PUC ordered Central Maine Power to evaluate various rate design offerings (including TOU) and submit recommendations by December 2025. We question why the PUC is pushing a move towards TOU before this analysis and its subsequent recommendations have been completed.

I was made aware of this pending legislation through my volunteer work with AARP Maine. I urge all readers to join AARP in opposing LD 186. Please contact your legislators and encourage them to vote against this bill. It is crucial that we protect our older residents from policies that could harm their financial stability and well-being.

John White
Lead Utilities Advocacy Volunteer, AARP Maine
Greene, Maine