Bill from Sen. Brenner, Gov. Mills to hold utility companies accountable earns Legislature’s bipartisan approval

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, the Maine Legislature voted in favor of a bill put forward by Gov. Janet Mills and sponsored by Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, to significantly reform and strengthen the State’s oversight of Maine’s electric utilities. An amended version of LD 1959, “An Act To Ensure Transmission and Distribution Utility Accountability,” received unanimous, bipartisan vote in the Senate and 77-56 in the House. 

“Mainers across the state, from Jackman to Kittery, from Addison to Fort Kent, deserve reliable, affordable power. They deserve accountability now. Our economy depends on it. For too long, we’ve failed to take action to address the failures of these investor owned utilities. Today, we finally get to right that wrong,” said Sen. Brenner. “This bill will ensure our utility companies put the needs of their customers first, that we’re planning a power grid that is reliable and ready for Maine’s independent energy future, and help protect ratepayers. I’m proud of the work that has gone into this bill, and I’m energized to see it move forward.”

As amended, LD 1959 would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish standards in critical areas, such as reliability and customer service, that utility companies must meet. The bill sets mandatory financial penalties and doubles the penalties the PUC can impose, with forced sale as the ultimate penalty for a failing utility. The bill expands and strengthens whistleblower protections. Maine’s Public Advocate has said that even one or two whistleblower reports could result in major benefits for Maine ratepayers. The bill also would require integrated grid planning, which holds the potential to save Maine ratepayers millions of dollars. 

In a recent survey from J.D. Power, Central Maine Power ranked last for customer satisfaction among the largest 145 U.S. electric utilities. Versant tied for fourth-worst, alongside Pacific Gas and Electric Co. It was CMP’s fourth straight year ranking last in customer satisfaction in the annual survey. 

“This bill will help achieve accountability now — something that all Mainers are calling for. Further, this bill helps Maine plan for the future, will help stabilize electric bill costs to prevent the spikes in prices we’re seeing now, and protect ratepayers into the future,” said Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, who serves as Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. 

“It’s clear Maine people are at a breaking point, and that many of our constituents have lost faith in their utilities. Maine people are demanding more accountability from their electric utilities, and they’re demanding it now. This bill offers the opportunity to do that in a meaningful way,” said Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, who also serves on the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. “As Mainers struggle with high energy prices that threaten their ability to keep their lights on and their businesses open, it’s paramount the Legislature takes steps to ensure that transmission and distribution utilities are putting service to Mainers – not profits – first.”

The amended version of LD 1959 has earned the support of groups including the Acadia Center, Conservation Law Foundation, Maine Conservation Voters, The Nature Conservancy in Maine, and Natural Resources Council of Maine.

The bill faces further votes in the Legislature.