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*Maine Ratepayers Deserve Relief from Skyrocketing Electricity Costs*


 

This is Representative Peter Wood of Norway, with the Weekly Republican Address.

Mainers are facing the steepest energy cost increases in the nation, and the Legislature must act.

A new report from Axios [ [link removed] ] found that Maine’s average residential electricity costs increased by an astonishing 36.3 percent from May 2024 to May 2025—the highest jump in the country.

To put that in perspective:


* Connecticut, the state with the second-fastest increase, saw an 18.4 percent rise—just half of Maine’s.
* Massachusetts, with a Democrat governor and legislature like ours, only saw a 4.2 percent increase.
* New Hampshire, our closest neighbor, rose just 4.4 percent.
* Five states actually saw decreases, including Nevada (–17.7%) and Hawaii (–7%).
* Nationwide, the average was just 6.5%.

This disparity makes one thing clear: Maine’s problem isn’t just inflation or national trends. Our crisis is being driven by Augusta’s energy policies.

 

*Why Are Our Costs So High?*

Unlike other states, Maine’s leaders have pursued an agenda that prioritizes green mandates and out-of-state profits over affordability for ratepayers. Programs like net energy billing force Mainers without solar panels to subsidize those who have them. Renewable mandates artificially limit options like hydropower while requiring expensive alternatives.

This means Mainers who can least afford it—families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses—are footing the bill for policies that benefit a select few and enrich companies outside our state.

Even Axios pointed out that AI data centers are straining grids nationwide, but Maine has only seven such centers compared to Connecticut’s 60. So why did our costs rise nearly twice as much? The answer lies in misguided state policies, not external forces.

 

*It is Time to Change Course*

Republicans in the Legislature have repeatedly called for reform—whether it’s ending or scaling back net energy billing, expanding hydropower use, or eliminating mandates that artificially inflate costs. Unfortunately, those efforts have been blocked by the majority party.

Meanwhile, Mainers are left to pay the price—literally. High electricity costs are forcing businesses to close, squeezing family budgets, and making Maine less competitive.

Legislative Republicans will continue to call on the Legislature to end these failed energy policies and put Maine ratepayers first.

We need to restore balance, fairness, and affordability to our energy system. Mainers deserve reliable and reasonably priced power—not policies that drive costs through the roof.

Until Augusta reverses course, our state will continue to suffer under the weight of artificially high energy bills. We will keep fighting to make sure your voices are heard and your wallets are protected.

This has been Representative Peter Wood with the Weekly Republican Radio Address.

Thank you for listening. Please help us change Maine for the better — subscribe, share, and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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Wood
Representative Peter Wood

of Norway is serving his first term as the Representative for District 81.

Peter is a self-employed small business owner, operating a landscaping, lawn care, and maintenance company. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Norway/Paris and Waterford Fish and Game Clubs.

A proud graduate of Oxford Hills High School, Peter is serving his second term on the SAD 17 school board and he is also on the Region 11 tech board. Peter is committed to supporting his local community.

Peter is a stepfather to his wife Rhonda’s two sons and they have one grandson. In his free time, he enjoys managing his woodlot and big game hunting, primarily in Maine.





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