Bangor Hydro-Electric Co. has applied for a 15.5 percent rate increase with the

Bangor Hydro-Electric Co. has applied for a 15.5 percent rate increase with the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Bangor Hydro had borrowed heavily to buy out existing high-rate purchased power contracts, and was depending on the Maine Yankee nuclear power plant to fulfill power needs. Public Advocate Stephen Ward said a typical Bangor Hydro electric bill would go from $78 to $90 per month. Bangor Hydro and Central Maine Power Co. say they were required by the PUC to sign long-term contracts with non-utility generators at high rates. Details; related article