Maine Public Utilities Commission

If regulators approve the project, it will be sited 45 miles southeast of Portland, and could produce power by the end of the decade.

Electricity rates have been rising for most Mainers, but they've really spiked for the customers of Electricity Maine. Now the Public Utilities Commission is investigating.

The rates will apply to Mainers charging electric vehicles, using heat pumps, or charging batteries at off-peak hours.

PUC Chair Phil Bartlett said the increases are driven by global natural gas prices, and will cost the average CMP customer an additional $32 per month.

State regulators gave initial approval Wednesday to new transmission line that would connect a massive renewable energy project in Aroostook County to New England's power grid.

The new rate schemes are optional. Maine households and businesses can opt in if they want to participate, and they will not result in any additional costs for other ratepayers, state officials said.

Eligible customers would contact their utility to request the lower rates. The rates will apply to residential, commercial, and large business customers. Some of the rates could take effect as soon as October.

The company is asking the Maine Public Utilities Commission to approve a request that could triple its rates over 7 years.

As energy prices increase for many Mainers, customers of Summit Natural Gas could see their rates double.

The average Central Maine Power customer could see their electricity bills increase by as much as $10 a month over the next three years, if a new grid upgrade plan from the utility gets approval from state regulators.