Gerry Runte for State Representative

CMP's new rate case has understandably worried a lot of people, and there have been multiple calls to just cap the company's profit rate at a few points above what the government pays on Treasury bonds. Great for headlines (“Cut their profit”) but virtually useless if the goal is to reduce rates. There are far more important things the PUC should examine.
Here's the key thing to understand. The idea that the utllity is guaanteed a certain profit is a myth. There's a big difference between the profit a utility is allowed to earn and what it actually earns. Regulators have authorized CMP to earn more than 9%, but its real return has been much lower: 4.88% in 2024, 5.60% in 2025, and somewhere around 3% to 4% expected in 2026. Capping a number the company isn't even hitting won't lower anyone's bill.
That doesn't mean we should accept this rate case as written. Not even close.
Slogans don't lower bills. Careful review of what's actually driving costs does.
The real work is digging into what CMP wants to spend money on: Which investments are actually necessary? Do they need to happen now? Were cheaper options considered? And are we fully using the grid we've already paid for before asking customers to fund more? The grid needs new investments- the issue is how they are determined and timed.
The focus should be on getting the most out of the grid we already have, spacing out new investments sensibly, and avoiding a pattern where huge spending gets dropped into customer bills all at once. That's where real affordability oversight belongs.
I’ve filed public comments in the case. Anyone in the public is welcome to do so. Just go to https://mpuc-cms.maine.gov/.../Comm.../CaseNumberSearch.aspx and enter case 2026-00043.

Electricity customers voice concerns over CMP’s rate proposal Central Maine Power is looking to raise rates by an average of $18 per month, citing a need for greater grid reliability in the face of more extreme weather.

Thanks to all that voted in the primary yesterday! I think I have picked up all my signs, but if you happen to see one, please feel free to remove it and let me know - I'll come and pick it up.

https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/2026/05/22/new-maine-law-allows-towns-to-buy-cheaper-greener-power/90192473007/

New Maine law allows towns to buy cheaper, greener power “My new law can help communities address high electricity costs and climate change by creating affordable access to renewable energy,” said York state Rep. Gerry Runte.