The Maine Public Utilities Commission released a long-awaited report just before Christmas that concluded last winter’s cold spell was largely responsible for soaring bills. But that finding is being rejected by a customer advocacy group, which is asking state regulators to continue their investigation and hold a public hearing.

Growers in the No. 1 wild-blueberry state suffered another bad year, but agriculture officials say there are reasons to believe Maine’s historic and troubled industry is about to turn a long-awaited corner.

The former Maine DHHS commissioner and gubernatorial candidate resigns from her position in the Trump administration to lead the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.

Experts believe the nearly 30 percent drop may be related to the dry summer, although more research is needed.

Support for Patrick Keliher, current head of the Department of Marine Resources, came from many sectors of the state’s commercial fishing industry.

Other bills include proposals to require MaineCare to provide coverage for legal abortion services, and to make vehicle inspections on new cars valid for two years.

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she will re-nominate Commissioners Patrick Keliher, Anne Head, and Major General Douglas Farnham to their posts at the Maine Departments of Marine Resources, Professional and Financial Regulation, and Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, respectively.

On the eve of Janet Mills’ inauguration as Maine’s 75th governor, the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) is hopeful for the state’s renewable energy future following the administration of the current governor, Paul LePage.

It’s one of the biggest municipal arrays in the state and will generate about 3 percent of city government’s electricity each year – enough to power City Hall and Merrill Auditorium.

Today, the Maine Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) released an independent audit report on CMP’s metering and billing systems conducted by Liberty Consulting Group (Liberty). The audit was undertaken as a result of a large number of complaints regarding high bills and billing errors reported by CMP customers starting in late 2017.

Among other arguments, the families claim there is not enough evidence to support the claim that solar panels add any resale value to a home.

Overall, however, the study concludes that 2010 zoning changes are working as expected to open more waterfront to development while leaving the majority of space available to marine-dependent uses.

Maine’s North Woods, the largest undeveloped forest in the Eastern U.S., could be affected by proposed changes to a state zoning law.

It is a new year and a new venture for Joel and Melissa Gilbert, who opened a storefront recently on Main Street to sell baked goods and soups, as well as the fruits and vegetables they grow.

The incoming Democratic governor has also nominated Randy Liberty to head the Maine Department of Corrections.

Pender Makin, a former Maine Principal of the Year, promises a shift in priorities and vows to support public school teachers, administrators and students.

In addition to announcing Laura Fortman’s nomination to be Maine’s labor commissioner, Gov.-elect Janet Mills nominates John Rohde to lead the Workers’ Compensation Board.

Bruce Van Note, who has held top-level managerial positions at the state Department of Transportation, will oversee the agency if he is confirmed.