BANGOR, Maine (AP) — Data shows that Maine electricity customers had longer and more frequent power outages than any other state in 2017.

Maine Public Radio reports data collected by the federal Energy Information Administration shows Maine electricity users average three service interruptions in 2017. The service failures lasted over 40 hours on average.

Central Maine Power spokeswoman Catharine Hartnett says the state's largest utility is "challenged by geographic and weather consequences." Hartnett adds that the utility is considering more durable poles and wires to combat falling tree limbs, the system's biggest threat.

State Rep. Seth Berry says the Legislature should review CMP this year. Other critics have gone further, advocating for a public takeover of the state's privately held systems.

Maine's Public Utilities Commission is currently reviewing CMP's rate proposal.

(Information from: WMEH-FM, http://www.mpbc.org/)

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