PUC Public Hearing on Madison Electric Works Rate Increase

press-releases

Published January 29th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Maine Public Utilities Commission will hold a public hearing on January 29, 2026, regarding Madison Electric Works' request for a distribution rate increase. The proposed increase could raise typical residential customer bills by approximately $17 per month, or 9.5 percent.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced a public witness hearing to receive comments on Madison Electric Works' request for a distribution rate increase, filed on December 15, 2025. The proposed increase, if approved, would result in an estimated $17 monthly rise for typical residential customers using 709 kWh, representing a 9.5 percent increase in their total bill. The hearing is scheduled for February 3, 2026, in Madison, Maine.

Regulated entities, particularly those in the energy sector in Maine, should be aware of this proceeding. While this notice is for public comment, it signals a potential shift in utility rates. Compliance officers should monitor the outcome of this case (Docket No. 2025-00356) as it could set a precedent for future rate increase requests and impact customer relations and billing systems. Public comments are being accepted until the hearing date.

What to do next

Monitor Docket No. 2025-00356 for updates on the Madison Electric Works rate increase request.
Review the potential impact of a 9.5% rate increase on residential customers.
Prepare for potential similar rate increase requests from other utilities in the state.

Source document (simplified)

MAINE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO HOLD PUBLIC WITNESS HEARING IN MADISON ELECTRIC WORKS DISTRIBUTION RATE CASE

January 29, 2026

Hallowell, Maine -The Maine Public Utilities Commission (Commission) will hold a public witness hearing to receive public comment on a request by Madison Electric Works for approval of a distribution rate change, pursuant to 35-A M.R.S. 307.

The public witness hearing will be held:

Tuesday, February 3, 2026
5:00 p.m.
Old Point Avenue Meeting Room
102 Old Point Ave.
Madison, ME 04950

The proceeding is Docket No. 2025-00356.

On December 15, 2025, Madison Electric Works filed a request with the Commission seeking approval of a distribution rate increase. If the request is granted, a typical residential customer using approximately 709 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month would see an increase of about $17 per month in delivery rates. The requested change represents an increase of approximately 9.5 percent in the total bill for a typical residential customer.

Members of the public who are not parties to the case may present testimony or comments to the Commission on any issue in the proceeding. Participation may be in person or via remote attendance.

A sign language interpreter will be available at the hearing. Anyone wishing to participate remotely must register in advance by emailing pucpublichearing@maine.gov to receive the virtual participation link no later than noon Monday, February 2, 2026.

All public documents in the case are available on the Commission's Online Case Management System. Please reference Case #2025-00356. Public comments may also be filed in the Commissions Case Management System.

About the Commission

The Maine Public Utilities Commission regulates electric, telephone, water and gas utilities to ensure that Maine citizens have access to safe and reliable utility service at rates that are just and reasonable for all ratepayers. Commission programs include Maine Enhanced 911 Service and gas safety programs. Philip L. Bartlett, II serves as Chair, Patrick Scully and Carolyn Gilbert serve as Commissioners.

Learn more about the Commission at www.maine.gov/mpuc

CONTACT: Susan Faloon, Media Liaison
CELL: 207-557-3704
EMAIL: susan.faloon@maine.gov