Maine electricity ratepayers should be allowed to understand that Central Maine Power Company now only delivers electrical capacity. Other companies provide the energy which heats, lights and spins the wheels.

CMP’s rate structure should reflect that fact with a fixed monthly charge for that delivery. As long as CMP is permitted billing on metered kilowatt hours, it is selling something it cannot provide.

Our public advocate, Steve Ward, should aim for a simple demystified billing structure, including:

• A fixed rate on incremental capacity for CMP

• A metered rate on energy for the provider.

CMP has no valid business promoting increased energy use.

It is a sad irony that Maine abandoned its hydro-energy birthright and must now envy a red state such as Nebraska for its cheap, undivested public electricity.

Roland Lange, Auburn