Central Maine Power says it will set aside half a million dollars for customers impacted by coronavirus, as it looks to settle an investigation into improper disconnect notices.
According to our info partners at CBS 13, the utility has agreed to spend $500,000 for power customers impacted by coronavirus, in lieu of paying an administrative fine to the state. The deal has been proposed to state regulators.
The investigation stemmed from notices that CMP sent out to customers which claimed they can be disconnected during the winter months without permission from the state’s Public Utilities Commission if they fail to pay their power bill. The state’s PUC says that’s inaccurate, and that disconnections during the winter months need to be approved by them first.
Democratic Representative Seth Berry says he’s disappointed by the deal, and says he expects “more from a multinational monopoly allowed to hold its Maine customers captive. CMP should make full amends for the harm they have inflicted on hundreds of customers over months and years, not walk away as if they had made only a small mistake.”
CMP also released a statement saying “CMP regrets that customer communications addressing nonpayment and disconnections during the winter period did not reflect our commitment as a company to be clear and accurate. We have since taken the time to assess our communications on this and other topics to ensure they meet that goal. That work continues.”
