Public utilities agency seeks new electric suppliers

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Maine Public Utilities Commission is soliciting requests for proposals for so-called “standard offer” providers for residential electric customers.

The commission is seeking proposals for a one-year term beginning Jan. 1 for Central Maine Power and Versant Power customers.

Total electricity sales to those customers is approximately 12 million megawatt hours annually and about 57% of customers currently receive standard offer service, the commission said.

The standard offer represents the default electricity supplied to homes unless customers choose a different supplier.

The electricity represents half of the bill. The other half, which covers the cost of supplying the electricity through transformers and utility poles, is set by the commission.