Community Announcements

USDA Distributes Oral Rabies Vaccine for Wildlife in Northern Maine

USDA Distributes Oral Rabies Vaccine for Wildlife in Northern Maine | Department of Health and Human Services Maine.gov Agencies | Online Services | Help | Search Maine.gov DHHS → News → USDA Distributes Oral Rabies Vaccine for Wildlife in Northern Maine USDA Distributes Oral Rabies Vaccine for Wildlife in Northern Maine Aug 11, 2026 In cooperation with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), officials from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildlife Services will distribute oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits this week. USDA Wildlife Services will distribute nearly 599,000 ORV baits in Aroostook County from August 12 through August 24. The fall ORV bait distribution follows this past spring’s distribution and is in response to continued rabid raccoon detections in Aroostook County. The USDA’s Wildlife Services spreads ORV baits to reduce the spread of the raccoon rabies virus in Maine. The baits help limit the potential for human and domestic animal exposures to the rabies virus through contact with infected wild animals. Crews will spread the bait by air in rural areas and by vehicle in more populated areas. Each bait is a fishmeal-coated cube or sachet about one to two inches in size. Although humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the bait, they should not touch or move them. Studies show that ORV baits are safe in many species of animals, including domestic dogs and cats. While dogs may get upset stomachs if they eat a lot of bait, there are no known long-term health risks. If a person has skin contact with a bait cube or sachet, rinse the affected area with warm water and soap. For concerns about a person or pet touching or eating a bait, call the Maine CDC’s 24-hour line at 800-821-5821. Since 2003, the USDA’s Wildlife Services has worked to halt the spread of raccoon rabies in northern Maine. They also collaborate with Canadian officials in New Brunswick and Quebec to reduce the presence of rabies across Maine and Canada. The ORV bait distribution program in Maine is part of a larger effort by the USDA’s Wildlife Services to prevent the westward spread of raccoon rabies. This effort creates a barrier along the Appalachian Mountains from the Canadian border to Alabama. Rabies is a virus that infects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. It spreads mainly through a bite from an infected animal. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal. Timely post-exposure treatment can prevent disease in people. Approximately 90 percent of reported animal rabies cases in the U.S. occur in wildlife. As of August 10, 2026, 28 animals tested positive for rabies this year in 12 counties across Maine. These animals include raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, and a goat. To help protect yourself and your pet against rabies: Keep your pets and livestock up to date on rabies vaccinations. Feed pets indoors. Keep garbage cans or other sources of food tightly secured. Do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals. Be cautious of stray dogs and cats. Do not move wildlife. This can spread rabies into new areas. Wash bite or scratch wounds with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes. Who to contact: If an animal bites or scratches you, contact a health care provider. If an animal bites or scratches your pet, contact your veterinarian. To report a dead or suspicious-acting animal in northern Maine, contact the USDA’s Wildlife Services. In other parts of Maine, contact the nearest Maine Regional Communications Dispatch Center. For more information: USDA Rabies webpage Maine CDC Rabies webpage USDA Wildlife Services: 1-866-487-3297 Maine CDC disease reporting & consultation line: 1-800-821-5821 (available 24/7) Photo of bait types: The bottom two bait types in the photo are a fishmeal-coated sachet(bottom) and cube(middle) and are the only two used in this ORV bait drop in Maine.

Governor Mills Statement on Landmark Settlement to Protect Maine Children Online

Governor Mills Statement on Landmark Settlement to Protect Maine Children Online | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills Governor Mills Statement on Landmark Settlement to Protect Maine Children Online August 26, 2026 Augusta, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement regarding the announcement of a landmark settlement between technology and social media conglomerate Meta and 47 states — including Maine — and D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands on Wednesday: “For too long, social media has gone unregulated, harming the mental health of vulnerable children. I applaud Attorney General Frey and his colleagues for bringing this case against Meta, which will result in meaningful new protections, including more parental controls, bans on content that stoke mental health issues, and major changes to address the addictiveness of social media platforms. While there’s still much more to do to protect our kids online, I’m glad major corporations like Meta are finally being forced to make online spaces safer for our kids.” Under the settlement, which is subject to court approval, Meta has agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion over the next ten years and make major changes to its products over claims it endangered children with its social media platforms. Governor Mills has long warned of the dangers of social media and has advocated for stronger protections for Maine children. This year, she proposed and signed into law “Bell to Bell, No Cell,” a statewide ban on cell phones in schools to end doomscrolling in classrooms, help students let go of addictive phones, and refocus school on education and community.

Maine CDC Confirms Case of Measles in Maine

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) is reporting a case of measles in Maine; the first case in the state since five cases were confirmed in February of this year. The Maine CDC confirmed the latest case on September 15, 2026. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), as of September 11, there were 3,294 confirmed measles cases reported nationwide in 2026. The individual is an unvaccinated adult from Somerset County. The Maine CDC is working with the facility where potential exposure occurred and is working with them to inform potentially exposed individuals. Individuals who were at the following location* during the timeframe listed below were potentially exposed to measles and should take precautions and should watch for symptoms for 21 days after September 12: Location Date Time MaineGeneral Express Care, Waterville 211 Main Street, Waterville, ME September 12, 2026 8am-11am *Subject to change as the investigation continues Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. If one person has measles, 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will become infected. Symptoms of measles include: Fever Cough Runny nose Red, watery eyes Rash that spreads from the head down. Individuals who develop symptoms should contact their health care provider for instructions before going to the provider’s office or hospital. This will help prevent the spread of further infection. If symptoms are consistent with measles, a health care professional may test to determine a measles infection. Measles can cause severe sickness including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death. An infected person spreads measles through coughs or sneezes. Once infected, a person is contagious from four days before their rash starts through four days afterwards. The virus remains alive for up to two hours on surfaces and in the air. The period from exposure to onset of symptoms is typically 10 to 14 days, but can be longer. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best prevention for measles. Individuals who: have been potentially exposed should review their vaccine history and watch for symptoms. are not immunized or do not know their measles immunization status should get vaccinated. develop symptoms should contact their health provider for instructions before going to the provider’s office or hospital. This will help prevent the spread of further infection. Recommendations: Children – Identify and vaccinate children who are not up to date with their MMR vaccines. All children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine. A health care professional should administer the first dose to children at 12 to 15 months old and the second at 4 to 6 years old. Children 6 to 11 months old who will be traveling internationally or domestically to a region with a known active measles outbreak should receive one dose of MMR vaccine, per the Maine CDC’s expanded recommendations for those traveling to a destination with a known outbreak. This dose is not considered part of the routine two-dose series starting at age 12 months. Adults – All adults should have proof of immunity to measles. Acceptable proof includes one of the following: written documentation of vaccination laboratory evidence of immunity birth before 1957 or laboratory confirmation of disease individuals who received a measles vaccine between 1963 to 1967 are encouraged to speak with their doctor to determine if additional vaccination is needed. Those known to have received an inactivated dose measles vaccine should receive a single dose of MMR. Five percent of people who received measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967 received an inactivated vaccine. For adults with no evidence of immunity to measles, the U.S. CDC recommends one dose of MMR vaccine as soon as possible. Adults who are traveling domestically or internationally to a region known to have an active measles outbreak should receive two doses of the vaccine. Pregnant women should not receive any live virus vaccine during pregnancy, including MMR. Vaccination Information: Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. The U.S. CDC considers people who received two doses of MMR vaccine as a child protected for life. Some people exposed to the virus may still get measles even if they got the MMR vaccine. In this case, they are more likely to have a milder illness and are also less likely to spread the disease to other people. For More Information: The Maine CDC’s measles webpage: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/measles The U.S. CDC’s measles webpage: http://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html The Maine Immunization Program webpage: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/immunization/

Maine Health Care Leaders Celebrate Governor Mills as "Health Care Hero"

Maine Health Care Leaders Celebrate Governor Mills as "Health Care Hero" | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills Maine Health Care Leaders Celebrate Governor Mills as "Health Care Hero" September 3, 2026 Augusta, MAINE – Today, health care leaders from across Maine celebrated Governor Janet Mills as a “Health Care Hero” in recognition of her successful work as Governor to expand access to high-quality, affordable health coverage throughout her time as Governor. Governor Mills has long believed that health care is a human right, and as a result of her Administration’s leadership, Maine’s uninsured rate declined faster than that of any other state from 2019 to 2021 and has remained near historic lows. The Governor and Joanne Rawlings-Sekunda, former Director of the Consumer Health Care Division at the Maine Bureau of Insurance, were honored with the award at the Health Care for Maine (HC4ME) Conference hosted by Consumers for Affordable Health Care. The annual conference brings together health care professionals, state leaders, non-profits, and advocates dedicated to improving access to health care in Maine. "I’m honored to be recognized by health care leaders and advocates from across Maine. When I entered office, it was clear there was much to do to make health care affordable and accessible for Maine people. While we’ve expanded health care coverage to over 230,000 people, increased access to free preventative care visits, maintained childhood vaccine schedules, and increased funding for family planning services, in the face of federal cuts and attacks on health care, there is more work to be done,” said Governor Mills. “To the health care heroes across Maine who are in the trenches carrying out this often unglamorous and unrewarded work, your work is more important than ever. Thank you for all you do to save lives.” “Governor Mills has been an extraordinary leader and champion in preserving and expanding access to health care in Maine. Her efforts to expand access to public and private health coverage in Maine have paid off – with hundreds of thousands of Mainers, many who may otherwise be uninsured, accessing the coverage they need. She prioritized resources during the pandemic, ensuring all Mainers had access to vaccines and treatment, and has taken important steps to address Maine’s opioid crisis that has reduced opioid related deaths,” said Ann Woloson, Executive Director of Consumers for Affordable Health Care. “She addressed the needs of older Mainers by expanding the Medicare Savings Program and restored funding for Maine’s elderly and disabled low-cost drug program. She has worked to preserve reproductive care, restored funding for critical services including public health nursing, and invested in Maine’s health care work force. The list goes on – she truly is a health care hero to Mainers.” On her first full day in office, Governor Mills expanded health coverage to more than 100,000 people by implementing the Medicaid expansion overwhelmingly approved by Maine voters but blocked by former Governor Paul LePage. She proposed and signed into law the unanimously-passed Made for Maine Health Coverage Act, which covered certain medical visits at no cost to consumers, established Maine’s own State-based Health Insurance Marketplace, and codified the Affordable Care Act’s protections for people with pre-existing conditions under state law, among many other accomplishments.

Governor Mills Statement on Passing of Gloria Steinem

Governor Mills Statement on Passing of Gloria Steinem | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills Governor Mills Statement on Passing of Gloria Steinem September 3, 2026 Augusta, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in honor of Gloria Steinem, who passed away on September 2, 2026, at the age of 92: “Gloria Steinem was a pioneer and the face of a movement that changed America and the world for the better. Her grit, intelligence, and empathy moved mountains, raising public awareness about domestic violence, sexual assault, and economic inequality—all while never losing her keen sense of style. Thank you, Gloria, for uplifting women’s voices, for offering your shoulders for other women to stand on, and for never backing down in the face of the good fight.”

Governor Mills Statement Recognizing Labor Day

Governor Mills Statement Recognizing Labor Day September 7, 2026 Augusta, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in honor of Labor Day 2026: “Every morning, as the sun rises over Cadillac Mountain, Maine lobstermen are headed out to sea, farmers are tending their fields, nurses are finishing the night shift, and teachers are preparing their classrooms. From the machinists and pipefitters at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery to papermakers at Twin Rivers in Madawaska, Maine people are no strangers to hard work. On Labor Day, we celebrate Maine’s working people and honor the generations of workers and labor leaders who fought for fair wages, safe workplaces, and the right to organize.” Over the past eight years, Governor Mills has enacted, expanded, and strengthened protections for workers in Maine, including landmark legislation for earned paid leave and paid family and medical leave, minimum wage for farmworkers, and prevailing-wage protections for project labor agreements. She signed legislation prohibiting pay discrimination based on race, protecting state workers from threats to privatize their jobs, promoting pay equality by discouraging employers from basing wages on an employee’s salary history, protecting employees from being required to attend so-called "captive audience" meetings, expanding severance pay requirements, requiring the use of apprenticeship programs on large-scale new energy projects, and strengthening retaliation protections.

Governor Mills Honors Victims and Survivors of the September 11 Attacks

Governor Mills Honors Victims and Survivors of the September 11 Attacks | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills Governor Mills Honors Victims and Survivors of the September 11 Attacks September 11, 2026 Augusta, MAINE – In a radio address released earlier this morning, Governor Janet Mills paid tribute to the victims and survivors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and expressed Maine’s gratitude for the first responders, servicemembers, and allies who took part in America’s recovery. “Although more than a hundred million Americans are too young to remember that dark day, today, we take a moment to remember and to honor those who perished that day, as well as the first responders who ran towards danger and stayed through the devastating aftermath, and the men and women who stepped up and who continue to step up to keep us safe,” said Governor Mills in her Weekly Radio Address. Yesterday, Governor Mills issued the following statement honoring the victims and survivors of September 11, 2001: “Twenty-five years ago, America and the world were forever changed by the September 11th terrorist attacks. On this solemn anniversary, I join Maine people in pausing to remember the nearly 3,000 souls taken from us that day—including six individuals from Maine—and those who lost their lives from the aftereffects of the attacks. We also remember the families who lost loved ones and the survivors who carry these memories with them every day. Today, may we honor the courageous first responders who rushed toward danger and the brave men and women who enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces to bring justice to those responsible for the attacks. And may we again find inspiration in the collective unity our nation felt in the months after the attacks as we stood together as one.” The Governor’s Weekly Column & Radio Address can be found HERE. The Governor’s statement honoring the victims and survivors of 9/11 can be found HERE.

Governor Mills Announces Retirement of Maine Department of Corrections Commissioner Randy Liberty

Governor Mills Announces Retirement of Maine Department of Corrections Commissioner Randy Liberty | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills Governor Mills Announces Retirement of Maine Department of Corrections Commissioner Randy Liberty September 9, 2026 Augusta, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills announced today that Randall A. Liberty, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Corrections, will be leaving his position on October 1, 2026, after more than four decades of corrections, military, and law enforcement service to Maine and the nation. As Commissioner, Liberty has earned international acclaim for developing and implementing the Maine Model, an approach to corrections emphasizing rehabilitation, mutual respect, human dignity, community reintegration, and public safety. As a result, Maine’s recidivism rate has dropped to one of the lowest in the nation, with a reincarceration rate of 21% — a 15% decline since 2008. “Randy Liberty’s life and career reflect his profound belief that every person deserves the opportunity for redemption. Only in Maine, and only in America, could a young corrections officer once assigned to guard his own father in a county jail go on to lead transformational change across corrections systems around the world,” said Governor Janet Mills. “As Commissioner, Randy drew on personal experience to ensure our Corrections system treats all people with dignity, gives them hope, and offers them the opportunity to build better lives. I am profoundly grateful for his leadership, his compassion, and his more than four decades of service to Maine people.” “It has been the honor of my career to serve alongside the extraordinary team at the Maine Department of Corrections. Together, we created the Maine Model, which has become the gold standard for rehabilitation and reducing recidivism,” said Commissioner Randy Liberty. “I am deeply grateful to every Department employee whose dedication made this work possible, and to Governor Mills for her steadfast trust and support as we’ve worked to redefine what corrections can look like.” Through the Maine Model, more than 50 residents have obtained remote computer jobs from within prison, hundreds have earned release to supervised community confinement, and more than a thousand have had access to post-secondary education in the same programs available to students who are not residing in a correctional facility. Those residents graduating from college while in a Maine Department of Corrections facility have a .05 percent likelihood of returning to custody. During Liberty’s previous tenure as Warden of the Maine State Prison, his team established a Veterans Unit, which includes an American Legion Post and which raises and trains service dogs for disabled veterans throughout Maine. More than 120 residents have been certified as Master Gardeners, providing nutritious meals, resulting in reduced medical concerns and lower medical expenses. Vocational training, universal medication for substance use disorder, and wellness programming for staff have been foundational to the department’s success. Prior to becoming Warden in 2015, Liberty served for more than 26 years in the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office, including nine as the elected sheriff, during which time he focused on incarcerated veterans, drug enforcement, substance use education, and treatment of addiction. Liberty served in the military for 24 years, including 21 in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves. He served as a Military Policeman, Mountain Infantryman, Drill Sergeant, and as a Chief Instructor at the United States Military Academy, West Point. He deployed to Korea, Italy, and for ten months served as command sergeant major of a transition team embedded with Iraqi infantry in Fallujah, Iraq. His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal for actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Governor Mills announced that Deputy Commissioner Anthony Cantillo will assume the role of Acting Commissioner upon Commissioner Liberty’s retirement. “I’m looking forward to supporting the great accomplishments of Commissioner Liberty and the Maine Department of Corrections team as a whole. It is a privilege to lead an organization that is seen as a guiding light in the field of corrections and to serve the people of Maine,” said Deputy Commissioner Anthony Cantillo. Cantillo began his Department of Corrections career as a correctional officer at the Maine State Prison in 2013 and later served as its Deputy Warden. As Warden of the Maine Correctional Center, he oversaw the completion and transition to a new facility in 2022. He was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Corrections in 2023. Cantillo is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine School of Social Work.

Governor Mills Orders Flags Lowered in Honor of Victims and Survivors of September 11th

Governor Mills Orders Flags Lowered in Honor of Victims and Survivors of September 11th | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills Governor Mills Orders Flags Lowered in Honor of Victims and Survivors of September 11th September 10, 2026 Augusta, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills, consistent with a directive from the President, has directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be lowered from sunrise to sunset on Friday, September 11, 2026, in honor of the victims and survivors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Governor issued the following statement: “Twenty-five years ago, America and the world were forever changed by the September 11th terrorist attacks. On this solemn anniversary, I join Maine people in pausing to remember the nearly 3,000 souls taken from us that day—including six individuals from Maine—and those who lost their lives from the aftereffects of the attacks. We also remember the families who lost loved ones and the survivors who carry these memories with them every day. Today, may we honor the courageous first responders who rushed toward danger and the brave men and women who enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces to bring justice to those responsible for the attacks. And may we again find inspiration in the collective unity our nation felt in the months after the attacks as we stood together as one.”

Honoring the Victims and Survivors of the September 11 Attacks

Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening. Robert and Jackie Norton's son was waiting for them in California 25 years ago. He was about to get married, but his parents, a retired couple from Lubec, never made it to the ceremony. Their plane, American Airlines Flight 11, hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center in a horrific act of terrorism on September 11, 2001. Katie Ward, the sister of Stephen Ward, said her brother couldn't wait to take over the big city when he moved to New York. A native of Gorham, Maine, Stephen had big plans, and he encouraged everyone to go after what they wanted and live their best lives. Stephen was working on the 101st floor of the North Tower at the World Trade Center that fateful day. Robert Jalbert was raised in Lewiston and lived in Swampscott, Massachusetts, when he boarded United Flight 175 for a business trip to California. People described him as an easygoing guy, a good friend, and a proud father who went to church every Sunday and served as a Eucharistic Minister. His flight struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Attorney Jim Roux of Portland, someone who loved hiking Mount Washington. He was also on United Flight 175. Through this Saturday, September 12th, the summit of Mount Washington will be lit by two pillars of light that will be visible from 100 miles away to honor Jim Roux and the thousands of others whose lives were cut short that day. Commander Robert Schlegel was a devoted husband, a decorated officer, and an avid ice hockey and football player. Originally from Gray, Maine, Commander Schlegel had been awarded the Purple Heart and other medals for his career-long service in the U.S. Navy. He had been promoted just a month before he boarded American Airlines Flight 77, which was then flown into the Pentagon, killing all on board. 25 years ago, Maine and the nation were forever changed by the September 11th terrorist attacks. On this solemn anniversary, I join the Maine people in pausing to remember the nearly 3,000 souls taken from us that day, including the six beloved people from Maine. And in saluting the courageous first responders who rushed towards danger, including those heroes still living with devastating health conditions caused by exposure to toxic flames and fumes. One of those firefighters moved to Falmouth, Maine. Kevin Hogan wasn't working on September 11, but when the first plane struck the World Trade Center, he jumped into a pickup truck, heading to Ground Zero. Through a storm of ash, he and other firefighters searched for scraps of clothing and under rubble, praying to find and return loved ones to their families. So today, we recognize first responders like Kevin, and we also thank the many servicemembers who stepped up to keep our nation safe then and in the years since. And we thank our friends in other countries who stood by us. On September 11, more than 250 flights were forced to divert to Canada, including 38 commercial flights that touched down in Gander, Newfoundland, when more than 7,000 passengers were stranded. A local TV station put out a call to "lend a hand, do what you can," and residents opened their homes to Americans in need. Now, more than ever before, we should remember that kindness of our neighbors to the North. Although more than a hundred million Americans are too young to remember that dark day, today, we take a moment to remember and to honor those who perished that day, as well as the first responders who ran towards danger and stayed through the devastating aftermath, and the men and women who stepped up and who continue to step up to keep us safe. This is Governor Janet Mills, and on behalf of the 1.4 million people of the state of Maine, we honor those who perished, those who helped, those who stood by us, 25 years ago, September 11, 2001.

Governor Mills Statement on Trump Administration’s Plans to Remove Restrictions on Power Plants

Governor Mills Statement on Trump Administration’s Plans to Remove Restrictions on Power Plants | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills Governor Mills Statement on Trump Administration’s Plans to Remove Restrictions on Power Plants September 14, 2026 Augusta, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills today released the following statement in response to news that the Trump Administration intends to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s “endangerment finding” for power plants: “Let’s be clear about what the Trump Administration is proposing: allowing power plants that burn gas and coal to pump unlimited amounts of dangerous pollution into our atmosphere. These emissions endanger public health and contribute to the increasingly stronger storms that have washed out roads in the Oxford Hills, flooded towns like Madison and Skowhegan, and washed working waterfronts into the sea. “The President calls climate change a ‘hoax.’ The real hoax is his promise to lower costs while he puts Maine taxpayers on the hook for future storm damage.”

Governor Mills Announces Phil Bartlett Will Step Down as Chair of the Maine Public Utilities Commission

Governor Mills Announces Phil Bartlett Will Step Down as Chair of the Maine Public Utilities Commission | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills Governor Mills Announces Phil Bartlett Will Step Down as Chair of the Maine Public Utilities Commission September 15, 2026 Under Bartlett, PUC strengthened accountability, expanded assistance for low-income ratepayers, and preserved Maine’s iconic ‘207’ area code Podgorica, MONTENEGRO – Governor Janet Mills today announced that Phil Bartlett will step down as Chair of the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) next month for a new opportunity in the private sector. During his tenure, Bartlett led significant reforms to hold utilities accountable, protect ratepayers, and improve utility services across Maine. He also helped lead regional efforts to strengthen New England’s electric grid and share the costs of major energy investments with other states and preserved Maine’s iconic ‘207’ area code. “During a period of extraordinary change, Phil Bartlett has remained laser-focused on ensuring Maine’s utilities provide safe, reliable, and affordable service for Maine people,” said Governor Janet Mills. “Phil has worked tirelessly to deliver greater value for the hard-earned money Maine ratepayers spend on electricity, gas, and water. I thank him for his dedicated service to Maine people.” “It has been an extraordinary honor to serve the people of Maine during this period of rapid change,” said Phil Bartlett. “I thank Governor Mills for her confidence in me and the Commission’s talented staff for their dedication to Maine ratepayers.” A former Maine Senate Majority Leader and Chair of the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, Bartlett was nominated to a six-year term by Governor Mills in 2019. He was reappointed in 2025. Under Bartlett’s leadership, the PUC has: Strengthened utility transparency and accountability. Under Bartlett, Maine incorporated elements of performance-based regulation for electric utilities and established metrics to ensure customers receive tangible benefits for rate increases. Advanced regional transmission planning. Bartlett helped develop the nation’s first regional long-term transmission planning process, resulting in ISO New England’s selection of a project including a new Maine substation capable of supporting at least 1,200 megawatts of onshore wind, substantially reducing Maine’s share of the cost of developing generation in Northern Maine. Secured regional support for Northern Maine energy development. Bartlett led regional collaboration on a transmission line to Northern Maine and the selection of 800 megawatts of Maine onshore wind generation; Maine ratepayers will pay less than 11 percent of the transmission line’s cost. Increased scrutiny of transmission spending. Bartlett helped lead the regional effort to establish ISO New England’s new Asset Condition Reviewer, the first of its kind in the nation, to strengthen transparency and accountability for the region’s largest category of new transmission spending. Supported small water utilities. The Commission reduced administrative burdens, provided outreach and training, and made it easier for utilities to share services. Facilitated broadband expansion. The Commission modernized pole attachment rules and developed a rapid response program to resolve disputes, becoming a national model that the Federal Communications Commission used for its own program. Preserved Maine’s 207 area code. Facing projections that available numbers would run out in 2024, the Commission used innovative approaches to extend the area code’s life indefinitely while also combating robocalling. Expanded assistance for low-income electricity customers. The Commission broadened eligibility for the statewide Low-Income Assistance Program and increased annual funding from $7.8 million to $33 million—more than quadrupling support. A more predictable and consistent bill discount model takes effect in October. Bartlett will step down as Chair on October 9, 2026. Patrick Scully, the senior-most Commissioner on the PUC, will serve as Acting PUC Chair until a permanent replacement is nominated by the next Governor and confirmed by the Maine Senate. Commissioner Scully and Celina Cunningham, Acting Commissioner, Department of Energy Resources, will serve as Governor Mills appointed co-managers to the board of the New England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE).