Maine regulators get bids on electric rates

AUGUSTA – Maine electric utility regulators have accepted bids for new standard offer energy rates for medium and large commercial and industrial customers of Central Maine Power and Bangor Hydro-Electric companies.

The new rates reflect a slight increase for medium customers and a slight decrease for large CMP customers, the Public Utilities Commission said. The rates will be effective Sept. 1 and extend for six months.

“The good news for businesses is that for this year their rates will have remained relatively stable,” said PUC Chairman Kurt Adams. He noted that standard offer rates are largely driven by oil and natural gas prices because those fuel sources dominate the New England wholesale power market.

The standard offer rates were chosen after a competitive bid process administered by the PUC. The names of the suppliers will be withheld for two weeks, allowing time for supply arrangements.

On the Net: Standard Offer and Delivery Rates: www.maine.gov/mpuc/industries/electricity/standard-offer/stan dard-offer-rates.html