Maine utility regulators have launched an investigation into a possible spike in electricity prices for customers of Central Maine Power Co., a subsidiary of Avangrid Inc.
During a Feb. 27 meeting, the Maine Public Utilities Commission directed staff to gather information related to issues such as electricity meter performance, billing accuracy and Central Maine Power, or CMP, customer service in light of a recent sharp rise in customer complaints — many which expressed concern over what they said were unexplained increases in energy bills. If warranted, the regulators will launch a formal inquiry that could lead to a directive for the utility to correct and refund any possible overbilling.
The PUC received 172 complaints against CMP during the first 23 days of February, compared to 85 complaints filed during all of January. In contrast, Maine's other utility, Emera Inc. subsidiary Emera Maine, received a total of only 17 complaints since the start of the year.
When asked to respond to the investigation and allegations, CMP spokesperson Gail Rice said the utility looks forward to answering any questions the commission may have about metering, billing and customer communications.
