The state’s largest utility has been criticized in the past for failing to provide solid information during catastrophic events.
Stephen Singer
Stephen Singer writes about energy and utilities for the Press Herald. He began covering the arcane beat in 1999-2000 as a statehouse reporter for The Associated Press in Charleston, W.Va., as the Legislature -- with many others in the U.S. -- set about the task of deregulating energy. Singer picked up the beat for the AP in Hartford, Conn., expanding his reporting to cover the six New England states. A newcomer to Maine, he prefers blueberries to lobster.
Posted inLocal & State, News
IRS reverses itself, now says $450 state payments for energy relief will be exempt from taxes
The federal agency had said this week that the payments would be taxed, drawing criticism from state officials.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Congress passes military spending bill that would bring $3.6 billion to Maine
The bill would support the state’s defense industry, which builds ships, fighter jet engine components and other equipment for the military.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Another rate cut will further reduce electricity costs for CMP customers in 2024
A complicated formula drafted by federal and New England energy officials is behind the second announcement in as many weeks of an electricity rate cut.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine officials accuse IRS of reversing pledge by taxing $450 state energy payments
The state says the IRS backed out of federal tax exemption for payments intended to help 880,000 Mainers cope with high energy costs last winter.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
CMP, Maine’s public advocate dispute cost of power restoration following 2022 storms
Maine’s Public Advocate accuses Central Maine Power of hiring too many storm repair crews, inflating costs. The utility questions its critic’s cost calculations and says electricity was restored quickly.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Versant Power raps wind transmission line, says it adds costs, not benefits, for many customers
The proposed Aroostook Renewable Gateway would connect power from a wind farm to the New England grid, but the project has faced many obstacles as its seeks regulatory approval.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Low-income households are getting ‘woefully inadequate’ help with utility bills, public advocate says
A report from the Electric Ratepayer Advisory Council suggests Maine needs $126 million a year in assistance. That’s five times more than what’s currently available.
Posted inLocal & State
DOT set to sweep homeless encampments by I-295 in Portland on Friday
People living near exits 5, 6 and 7 were given 24-hour notice Thursday morning that they’ll be removed on Friday.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Mainers will pay $30 less per month on average for electricity in 2024
The standard-offer rate for Central Maine Power customers will decrease by 35%; Versant Power customers will see a 24% drop. The decreases are the result of a big drop in natural gas prices.