The Maine Public Utilities Commission has approved a package of reforms at Versant Power intended to resolve an investigation into the company’s management practices.
Commissioners approved a stipulation that Versant would complete a multipoint performance improvement plan.
The plan includes completing long-term strategic planning, better tracking and recording customer service and capital investment, and improving renewable energy projects interconnection to the company’s system.
Versant also agreed to contribute $400,000 to its program for low-income customers.
“We are committed to doing business with accountability and to delivering safe, reliable service for our customers,” Versant spokesperson Marissa McKay said in a statement. “We appreciate being able to work alongside the Office of the Public Advocate and other parties on this agreement and believe it will result in cost-effective improvements for our customers.”
The stipulation is intended to resolve an investigation the utilities commission launched last year after a management audit found multiple issues with the company’s management. Auditors noted that since its acquisition by Enmax in 2020, Versant’s spending has soared without an improvement in its operating metrics or service quality.
Enmax is an energy company owned by the city of Calgary, Alberta. Versant serves about 166,000 customers in northern and eastern Maine.
Despite the company’s commitments, commissioners were skeptical that it could overcome a management culture that seemed to react to problems only when ordered to by regulators.
“It feels at times that Versant needs to be monitored and told what to do, at a level that a competent and well run company should not require,” Commissioner Patrick Scully said. “Versant should be striving for excellence but it has felt at times that ‘good enough’ is the standard.”
Commissioners noted a recent change of leadership at Versant and said they hoped the company could make necessary changes.
This story appears through a media partnership with Maine Public.