A proposed rate increase for Versant Power customers is facing some pushback from Governor Janet Mills.

The electric utility filed a notice of intent to seek a monthly increase of $10.50, or $126 a year, for the average residential ratepayer starting next summer.

In a statement released Thursday, Gov. Mills said the timing of the proposed increase must be weighed against already high electricity costs Mainers are facing.

She urged Versant not to request the increase, but said that if they do, she’ll direct the Energy Office to intervene and call on the Maine Public Utilities Commission to reject the request.

“With high prices expected to continue into the coming year – which is almost entirely the result of New England’s dependence on expensive, imported natural gas – I do not believe now is the appropriate time for our utilities to seek further rate increases,” Gov. Mills said.