When you get a raise, it’s normally because of a job well
done.
Central Maine Power (CMP) has asked the Public Utilities
Commission for a raise – a big one. The utility giant wants a 46.5-million-dollar
rate increase. Even if CMP wasn’t already under intense scrutiny for
inexcusable billing mistakes, the current proposed rate increase would still be
unaffordable for Mainers. However, during three recent public hearings,
consumers shared how CMP overbilled them, failed to correct the billing errors,
and subjected them to an appalling customer service system.
The public uproar has not been limited to the public
hearings. In the last week alone, AARP Maine heard from over 450 CMP
customers, all of whom expressed outrage at CMP’s rate increase request. That
request includes an increase in the fixed rate for all their customers no
matter how much or how little electricity they use. CMP clearly mishandled the
launch of their billing system and their bad performance should not be rewarded
with a raise.
AARP Maine strongly opposes CMP’s latest request to raise
their rates. CMP’s Spanish parent company, Iberdrola, just announced
double-digit growth in their profits, yet they continue to push for higher
rates for their customers. We think it’s time to put ratepayers ahead of
shareholders and pay Maine back first.
If you would like to make your voice heard on this issue,
send an email to me@aarp.org today.
Austin Hodge
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