The administration of Gov. Janet Mills is intervening to oppose a rate hike for Maine power customers.

The Governor’s Energy Office on Tuesday intervened against a proposed 32 percent increase in Versant Power’s distribution rate for electricity. The governor’s administration says the increase would raise bills for average residential customers by about $13 a month beginning in the summer of 2023.

The governor’s office cited rising electricity prices driven by the invasion in Ukraine and the effect on Maine families and businesses.

The Public Utilities Commission is also reviewing a request for a three-year rate increase filed by Central Maine Power which would raise electric bills for average residential customers by about $10 a month. That review is expected to conclude by September of 2023.

“I agree with strengthening our electric system, but the timing must be balanced against costs now facing Maine people and businesses today. These filings from CMP and Versant are not in the best interest of Maine people, and my Administration opposes them,” Gov. Mills said.

Versant says its rate increase will help pay for customer service and reliability improvements, as well as a new metering system.