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About Us

Office Profile

35-A M.R.S.A. Section 1702 is the statute that authorizes the Public Advocate Office to represent the interest of ratepayers within the jurisdiction of the Maine Public Utilities Commission.  The Public Advocate, under this statute can request the PUC to initiate a proceeding, if necessary, to protect the interest of Maine consumers. 
Within this statute the Office seeks to perform this advocacy role by:

  • Arguing for the lowest feasible level of rates and for the delay of increases when supported by adequate evidence.
  • Implementing policy set by the PUC, the Governor and the Legislature.
  • Maintaining frequent and consistent contact with ratepayer organizations, individual consumers and their representatives in order to better identify emerging problems affecting service quality for utility customers.
  • Pursuing in federal agency proceedings and courts each of these objectives in order to protect the interests of Maine ratepayers.

The OPA is a member of the National Association of State Utilities Consumer Advocates (NASUCA), an association of 42 consumer advocates in 40 states and the District of Columbia. We have members serving on NASUCA's Consumer Protection, Telecommunications and Electricity Committees.