Unitil Corporation announced today that one of its Maine natural gas distribution utilities, Northern Utilities Maine, filed a base rate case with the Maine Public Utilities Commission requesting approval to change distribution rates for all customers. This filing will be subject to comprehensive review by the MPUC. The company anticipates that the new rates would go into effect between June 1, 2027 and July 1, 2027. The last base rate case was filed in 2023.
The proposed rates are designed to provide revenues in support of the company's increasing distribution system investments and operating costs. The company has proposed various adjustments in pro forma revenue, costs of service, and class allocation that will be addressed in the proceeding.
“Periodic rate reviews enable us to continue providing customers with safe and reliable service,” said Unitil External Affairs Manager Amanda Vicinanzo. “Any proposed changes undergo a thorough review by the Maine Public Utilities Commission to ensure they are fair, transparent, and support the delivery of safe and dependable service for customers.”
If the rates are approved as filed, the typical residential heating customer using an average of 61 therms a month would see an increase of $11.04 per month, or 9.6 percent, over the current bill. Effects on individual customers will vary depending on rate class and usage characteristics.
Customers part of Maine Natural Gas and Bangor Natural Gas will not see a rate change as a result of this filing.
