SENATOR COLLINS CALLS FERC PLAN TO RAISE ELECTRICITY RATES “UNACCEPTABLE”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Susan Collins today released the following statement in response to rate hike recently approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).               “It is clear to me that FERC made its decision to raise electricity rates in New England without properly taking into consideration the impact on Maine ratepayers.  Maine does not have the capacity problems that exist in other states yet FERC plans to require Maine homeowners and businesses to shoulder an unfair burden.  This is an unacceptable increase that Maine ratepayers can not afford, especially at a time when higher than usual fuel costs are already forcing Mainers to spend more to drive to work, heat their homes, and pay their electric bills.”