State regulators are fining Central Maine Power a half million dollars for sending out improper disconnection notices last winter.
The notices implied that customers in arrears could be disconnected without permission from the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
But the PUC requires case-by-case permission in winter to ensure that utilities do not put undue pressure on vulnerable people at a time of year when electricity service can be essential just for survival.
CMP has admitted violating the Commission's rules.
