FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2025
MLA Matt MacFarlane Calls for Independent Audit of Maritime Electric Rates Amid Unexplained Bill Increases
Charlottetown, PE – Today Matt MacFarlane, MLA for Borden-Kinkora, is calling for an independent audit of Maritime Electric’s billing and rate-setting process to ensure Islanders are being charged fairly and accurately.
More and more Islanders are growing frustrated as their electricity bills continue to rise, with some seeing increases in the range of hundreds of dollars a month. Many Island customers are experiencing unexpected hikes well above approved rate increases, leading to serious concerns about transparency and fairness in rate calculations.
“Islanders are telling me their power bills have skyrocketed – and they deserve answers,” said MacFarlane. “Maritime Electric has not been approved for a rate increase beyond what was already set, yet people are seeing bills far beyond what is expected. Maritime Electric has so far blamed the cold weather; we need to verify if that is the only reason for these large billing increases, or if there is something else.”
MacFarlane is calling on the Minister responsible for Energy Gilles Arsenault to immediately launch an independent audit of Maritime Electric, with the findings of the audit being presented to the Legislative Standing Committee on Public Accounts by the end of April. Last month, the Province of New Brunswick ordered a similar audit of NB Power, with the audit results due back February 18, 2025.
“We need a full and transparent audit to determine whether Maritime Electric’s rate calculations are being applied correctly and fairly to all Islanders,” said MacFarlane. “Islanders are already facing rising costs on necessities like food and housing, and unexplained increases in electricity bills only add to their financial burden.
Islanders deserve fairness and accountability when it comes to their electricity bills. The Green caucus will continue to push for transparency and ensure Islanders are not paying more than they should.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Katie Rankin
Chief of Staff
Office of the Third Party
Tel: (902) 213-6378
Email: kerankin@assembly.pe.ca