Northern Utilities ordered to pay Maine customers

According to the Maine Public Utilities Commission, the company estimated the gas usage of too many customers between 2004 and 2007, resulting in inaccurate bills that had to later be reconciled.

Northern Utilities is installing new systems that allow for remote and accurate readings of customer gas usage once a month, instead of relying on estimates.

Northern Utilities, a subsidiary of holding company NiSource Inc., will provide rebates on bills that amount to about $9 per customer.