📰BIDDEFORD | State Leaders Issue Statements in Opposition to Maine Water Rate Increase

By Victoria Foley, Contributing Writer

The proposed increase is approximately 26%, far outpacing inflation

May 8, 2026, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford), Senator Henry Ingwersen (D-York), and Representative Marc Malon (D-Biddeford), today issued the following statements in opposition to a 26% rate increase proposed by Maine Water:

“This request could not come at a worse time for ratepayers who are facing strained household budgets just about everywhere they turn. This rate increase is well beyond cumulative inflation since the last PUC-approved rate increase,” said Speaker Ryan D. Fecteau (D-Biddeford).

“I supported that last rate increase, which was justified by necessary upgrades, water quality compliance, and consolidation efforts. The memo provided at the May 06, 2026 public hearing in Saco does not provide similar justification as the previous rate increase request. Instead, it notes the increase would result in "a return on equity of 9.9% and overall rate of return on rate base of 7.23%." While I appreciate the Company has an obligation to generate a return to H20 America and its shareholders, the PUC has an obligation to ratepayers who can only bear the brunt of so many rate hikes.”

“I am deeply disappointed that Maine Water Company is proposing a steep, double-digit rate increase at an uncertain time when Biddeford families and seniors are struggling to stretch their household budgets,” said Senator Henry Ingwersen (D-York). “Here in the state, we can do little to control the foreign affairs or national economic policies that are driving up costs, but we can control how much Mainers pay for the essentials – water being among the most essential of them all. We’re already paying far too much at the pump, and we shouldn’t be expected to pay more at the tap, too. I call on the Maine Water Company to reconsider its request.”

“While I believe it is critically important to maintain our drinking water infrastructure, I cannot support Maine Water’s proposed rate hike of 26%,” said Representative Marc Malon (D-Biddeford). “I understand that providing quality drinking water to residents is costly, but I hear from folks in Biddeford every day who are being hit with rising costs everywhere they look – from paying their electricity and grocery bills to filling their gas tanks. I urge the Public Utilities Commission to reject this request and for Maine Water to reconsider its approach.”

All public documents in the case, #2026-00028, are available on the Public Utilities Commission’s Online Case Management System. Public comments may also be filed online.

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