CMP customers could see rates raise $3 per month

AUGUSTA (AP) — A proposed agreement by Central Maine Power could raise customers’ home bills roughly $3 a month.

A rate-case settlement that has been endorsed by the businesses and environmental parties will be considered by the Maine Public Utilities Commission later this month.

The Portland Press Herald reported (http://bit.ly/VB8DmS ) that CMP got rid of a controversial proposal to charge customers higher monthly service fees if they generate some of their power from solar or other renewable sources.

All major parties in the 14-month proceeding, including the Conservation Law Foundation and the Maine Independent Colleges Association, have signed off on the agreement.

Average CMP home customers pay $78 a month now for energy and distribution charges. Under the agreement, their bill would rise about 4 percent a month.