By Emmett Burns, Associate Manager of Analytics

As we finally begin to hunker down for what feels like the first bout of true winter cold – which comes with its own energy implications – I cannot help but think ahead to the summer with some notable changes in store for Maine’s medium and large electricity customers.

Utility rate changes can be thought of as a negotiation between the utility, the utility regulator –which in this instance is the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) – and the public. Each participant must consider historical trends, the principles of rate design and, most importantly, the impacts on the ratepayer. The changes set to be implemented this year by Central Maine Power (CMP) are significant and worth paying close attention to. On June 6, 2023, the PUC approved a long-term rate plan, and a significant part of that plan is shifting the window of time over which demand charges are assessed for medium and large commercial and industrial customers. This change was initially set to occur on January 1, 2025, but is now expected by July 1, 2025. 

Read more

Eben Perkins, Chief Strategy Officer, Competitive Energy Services and Jason Moran, Assistant Director for Energy and Utilities at Williams College were selected to speak at the International District Energy Association’s CampusEnergy2025 Conference, titled “Accelerating the Energy Transition,” to be held at the Westin Boston Seaport District, Boston, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

During their presentation, titled “Navigating Challenges in Utility Master Planning,” Eben and Jason will explore Williams College’s decarbonization master plan, through which the institution is seeking to achieve deep reductions in campus emissions through electrification of district heating. Their presentation will focus on Williams’ journey engaging its local electric utility around planning for electrification, constraints in western Massachusetts’ rural power grid, technology options and strategies to enhance electrical reliability and resiliency on campus, and state regulatory efforts to address these challenges. 

CES will also have a booth throughout the duration of conference, February 3 -6. Stop by Booth #133 to say hello and discuss your energy needs and questions with CES’ Keith Sampson, Senior Vice President, Energy Services; Zac Bloom, Vice President, Head of Sustainability and Renewables; Larry Pignataro, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Senior Energy Services Advisor, and Daniel Long, Client Development Coordinator.

Click here to register for CampusEnergy2025.