Review of Central Maine Power's Proposed TOU Rates and Increased Fixed Charge
On behalf of the Maine Office of the Public Advocate, Synapse testified regarding Central Maine Power's proposed increases to the residential fixed charge and proposed design of time-of-use (TOU) rates. Synapse found that the proposed increase in the fixed charge was not justified on cost causation grounds and would have adverse impacts on low-income customers, would reduce customer control, and would dampen incentives for energy and efficiency. Synapse also found that the company's proposed TOU rates were not cost-reflective, as they lacked seasonal differentiation. Moreover, our analysis demonstrated the need to also offer TOU rates on the supply side in order to accurately reflect the cost of serving load and encourage efficient customer behavior.