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Maine businesses face hi gher electric rates

AUGUSTA, Maine Starting in September, some Maine businesses will be facingdouble-digit increases in their stand plastic toys ard offer electric rates.The Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday approved new energyprices, which apply to customers that have not made theirownelectricity supply arrangements.Large business customers of Central Maine Powerwill see their standard offer prices rise 32 percent, while thosefor medium-size customers will go up 23 percent. For Bangor Hydrocustomers, the figures are just under 20 percent for largebusinesses and 21 percent for medium businesses.PUC Chairman Sharon Reishus said the higher rates reflect increasesin wholesale electricity costs, largely due to hikes in fuel costsfor power plants fired by natural gas.