It’s impossible to miss all of the anti-Pine Tree Power ads these days. Every time I open my computer or turn on the TV I’m blasted with talking points against the initiative. CMP’s parent company has funded the group behind the ads to the tune of $10 million by the end of 2022. These resources let a huge company have its views heard and constantly in all of our faces.

I attended the Public Utility Commission hearing in Saco on April 11 and spoke out against CMP’s proposal to increase our utility bills. Of all the people who attended, not a single one spoke in favor of the increase. Speaker after speaker, young and old, stood up to talk about their experiences struggling to pay for their electricity.

It’s a shame something so basic has become such a burden to afford. I wish there was more attention paid to these voices, our voices – those of everyday Mainers. We don’t have millions of dollars to spend on ads to let CMP know how we feel, even while we’re forced to listen to theirs day after day. In a fair exchange of views, each side explains its case and then listens to the other, but that is far from what is happening. I’ve decided to support Pine Tree Power for this reason. I simply don’t think CMP cares to listen.

Joseph DeGraff
Saco

Related Headlines

Comments are no longer available on this story

filed under: