State oversight agency finds PUC within law
A state watchdog agency found the Maine Public Utilities Commission has acted in accordance with the law in responding to consumer complaints, but public comments at a hearing Monday could lead to further review and policy suggestions from the Legislature.
The Maine Public Broadcasting Network reported the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability’s review of the PUC process for addressing consumer complaints found no violations of the law, but the agency said the process could be less confusing.
During a public hearing, however, critics continued to argue that the PUC has a bias toward the industries it regulates and not power consumers. The PUC review ruled out actual conflicts of interest in the agency but said there may be cases of perceived conflict of interest.
Critics testifying Monday cited a recent case involving Nestle Waters — the owner of Poland Spring — and the Fryeburg utility that supplies the water as an example of such a conflict. The recusal of PUC Chairman Tom Welch and Commissioner Mark Vannoy left the three-person commission without a quorum, rendering the PUC unable to make a ruling in the case.
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