Unitil wants rate increase for southern Maine natural gas customers
Unitil is seeking approval to raise natural gas distribution rates for customers in southern Maine, a change that would add about $11 a month to the bill of a typical residential heating customer if approved.
Unitil is seeking approval to raise natural gas distribution rates for customers in southern Maine, a change that would add about $11 a month to the bill of a typical residential heating customer if approved.Northern Utilities Maine, which does business as Unitil, filed the request with the Maine Public Utilities Commission. The company said the new rates would help cover rising operating costs and investments in its distribution system.The proposed increase would affect Unitil natural gas customers in communities including Portland, Lewiston, Auburn, Westbrook, South Portland, Biddeford, Saco, Scarborough and Kittery. Customers of Maine Natural Gas and Bangor Natural Gas would not be affected by the filing.If approved as filed, a typical residential heating customer using about 61 therms a month would see their bill rise by $11.04, or 9.6%, according to an analysis provided by the company.Unitil said it expects the new rates, if approved, to take effect sometime between June 1, 2027, and July 1, 2027. The company’s last base rate case was filed in 2023.”Periodic rate reviews enable us to continue providing customers with safe and reliable service,” said Amanda Vicinanzo, Unitil’s external affairs manager.The Maine Public Utilities Commission will review the filing before deciding whether to approve the proposed rates, reject them or make changes.Northern Utilities serves more than 35,000 natural gas customers in Greater Portland, Lewiston, Auburn and parts of southeastern Maine. Its rates include delivery charges, which are set through rate cases, and gas supply charges, which are adjusted more frequently to reflect changes in energy markets.
Unitil is seeking approval to raise natural gas distribution rates for customers in southern Maine, a change that would add about $11 a month to the bill of a typical residential heating customer if approved.
Northern Utilities Maine, which does business as Unitil, filed the request with the Maine Public Utilities Commission. The company said the new rates would help cover rising operating costs and investments in its distribution system.
The proposed increase would affect Unitil natural gas customers in communities including Portland, Lewiston, Auburn, Westbrook, South Portland, Biddeford, Saco, Scarborough and Kittery. Customers of Maine Natural Gas and Bangor Natural Gas would not be affected by the filing.
If approved as filed, a typical residential heating customer using about 61 therms a month would see their bill rise by $11.04, or 9.6%, according to an analysis provided by the company.
Unitil said it expects the new rates, if approved, to take effect sometime between June 1, 2027, and July 1, 2027. The company’s last base rate case was filed in 2023.
“Periodic rate reviews enable us to continue providing customers with safe and reliable service,” said Amanda Vicinanzo, Unitil’s external affairs manager.
The Maine Public Utilities Commission will review the filing before deciding whether to approve the proposed rates, reject them or make changes.
Northern Utilities serves more than 35,000 natural gas customers in Greater Portland, Lewiston, Auburn and parts of southeastern Maine. Its rates include delivery charges, which are set through rate cases, and gas supply charges, which are adjusted more frequently to reflect changes in energy markets.