HALLOWELL, Maine (AP) The Maine Public Utilities Commission staff is recommending an investigation into complaints against Central Maine Power by residents in the Dover-Foxcroft, Jackman and Caratunk service areas.

The PUC staff recommends merging three different complaints into one investigation of complaints that the frequency and duration of power outages have become unacceptable.

CMP previously requested that all three complaints be dismissed.

But the PUC staff concluded Tuesday that an investigation is warranted because the claims are “not without merit.” The complaints allege that CMP has insufficient staffing, outdated equipment, inadequate parts supply and an overreliance on contractors, among other things.

Earlier in the month, regulators launched another investigation into CMP customer service issues and billing errors that were revealed by an independent audit.