Your Electric Utility Bill

Your electric utility bill includes delivery and supply rates, as well as stranded costs. But what does all that really mean?

Supply rate

The supply rate is the price of electricity. This is the energy supplied every month to customers like you.

This rate is not regulated by the PUC. The PUC works on behalf of Maine customers to secure the best deal possible, but it does not control the price. Consumers like you can also pick your own electricity supplier, known as Competitive Electricity Supplier (CEP). Learn more about those options here.

Delivery rate

The delivery rate is the cost of bringing that electricity from a power station to the grid, then to your home. Delivery includes transmission and distribution.

Distribution rates are regulated by the PUC. A utility provider like Versant or CMP delivers electricity by maintaining the infrastructure used for delivery, which includes substations, distribution lines, utility poles, and meters that connect to your home or business.

Transmission rates reflect the costs of delivering the electricity from power plants to the grid. These rates are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and reviewed by the PUC.

---

Public Policy Costs (Stranded Costs)

Stranded costs include the costs of legislative mandates. They pay for state programs and policies, including programs that encourage the development of local, renewable energy

For more specific questions about your bill, get in touch directly with your utility.

Rate Case

When a utility company—like one that delivers your electricity, gas, or water—needs to change what it charges, it must first file a rate case with the Maine Public Utilities Commission. These utilities are often the only ones operating in certain areas, so they’re regulated to make sure the prices they charge are fair.

During a rate case, the goal of the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is to protect customers from being overcharged while allowing the utility to maintain reliable service and earn a fair profit.

Reasons a company might ask for a rate change

• They need to fix or upgrade equipment like power lines, gas pipelines, or water infrastructure
• They need to improve reliability or prepare for storms and emergencies
• Their costs, which include supplies and labor, have gone up
• They need to cover the cost of new technology, like smart meters

A rate case, step-by-step

The utility files a request

They submit detailed financial information explaining why they need to raise rates and what the money will be used for.

The PUC reviews the request

The PUC, staffed with independent experts, looks at the utility’s spending on operations, maintenance, and upgrades and determines if the rates are reasonable. 

The public weighs in

In some cases there are public hearings and customers can attend and participate. Customers can also submit written comments. All input is reviewed by the Commissioners and taken into consideration.

A final decision is made

After reviewing all the evidence and public input, the PUC will either approve the rate increase, deny it, or move forward with a modified version. In many cases, the Commissioners will deliberate the rate change in a public session and a formal order will be issued stating the new rate. In some water rate cases, the PUC has delegated authority and the rate will automatically be approved.

Once a rate case is finalized , it will be reflected in future bills. If the rate change involves an increase, that money typically goes toward things like replacing old infrastructure, strengthening systems to handle storms and emergencies, and modernizing the grid to support solar, wind, and other clean energy sources. The rate case process is designed to ensure utilities can deliver safe, reliable service—without charging more than they should.

Learn more about ways to participate below, or here.
 

Power Outage

Please be patient. Utility teams will work diligently, safely, and as efficiently as possible to restore power. lf you need immediate warmth or cooling, check the Mass Care updates page.

Nobody likes it when the power goes out - it can be frustrating, and even dangerous. To report an outage that does not pose an immediate threat to life or property, call your power utility provider:

CMP 1-800-696-1000

Versant Power 1-207-973-2000 or 1-855-363-7211

Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative 844-363-2688

Houlton Water Company 1-207-532-2259 or 1-207-532-2350

Van Buren Light & Power District 1-207-868-3321

Kennebunk Light and Power District 1-207-985-3311 or 1-207-985-1142

Madison Electric 1-207-696-4401, Ext. 245

Matinicus Isle Plantation District 1-207-366-3970

Monhegan Plantation Power District 1-207-594-2106

Fox Island Electric Cooperative 1-207-863-4636

Isle au Haut Electric Power Company 1-207-335-5001

Financial Assistance

If you are struggling to afford your utility bill, you are not alone. Half of all Mainers have difficulty paying their utility bills. That’s why the Maine PUC has expanded access to financial assistance with increased funding and a higher Federal Poverty Line.

If you need help with your utility bills, visit Maine Electric Help to find information on financial assistance and conservation program information. You can also contact the Consumer Assistance and Safety Division at their website or by calling 800-452-4699.

Find resources for staying warm this winter in the Maine Winter Heating Guide from the Governor’s Energy Office.

Maine's Clean Energy Future

Maine has big clean energy goals that will require a resilient, efficient power grid. The PUC is supporting the state in reaching those goals by ensuring our grid is ready for renewable energy and electrification. As an example of this work, the PUC recently identified some of the grid's needs, or "priorities." The PUC reviewed stakeholder comments and then issued orders detailing those grid priorities to our utilities. Those utilities were given 18 months to submit their plan to meet those priorities.

Community Solar

Community solar can be a great way to support clean energy and lower your electric bill without installing panels on your roof. But it works differently than owning your own system, and there are a few important things to understand before you sign up. Remember: always read contracts closely. While some agreements are flexible, others can last up to 20 years or change the amount you’re signed up for—so keep an eye on your subscriptions.

How it works

You’re subscribing to solar output, not actual electricity.

Think of it like renting one or two panels from a solar farm. You’re subscribing to a share of a larger solar project, and your savings depend on how closely that share matches your electricity use. You pay for your share of the system’s monthly energy production and receive credits on your utility bill.

The goal is to match your energy use—not exceed it.

If you subscribe to more power than you actually use, you’ll be paying for excess energy you can’t use, transfer, or sell. Be sure to check your subscription periodically to ensure it matches your current needs.

Credits reduce your supply charges only.

Community solar savings apply to your electricity usage, not the fixed delivery charges on your utility bill. That’s why savings are often less than the advertised percentage.

Why your savings can vary

Energy output and your usage both change.

Your electricity use changes with the seasons, and so does solar production. Since you subscribe to a percentage of the system’s output rather than a fixed number of kilowatt hours, there’s no way to match it perfectly.
 

You may pay more in summer, less in winter.

Solar production is highest in sunny months. Since you’re paying for your share of a system’s output, you may see higher charges during the summer—even if you don’t use as much power—and lower charges in the winter.

Unused credits expire.

If your solar share produces more power than you actually use in a given month, you’ll bank a credit from the utility. Keep in mind that these credits can’t be transferred, and if not used within 12 months they will be refunded.

Your bills and solar credits may be on a delay.

You’ll often get charged by your community solar provider immediately, but the corresponding credits from your utility may show up a month later. It won’t always feel like a 1:1 match, but the credits will be applied.

The big picture

Community solar is backed by state policy that encourages clean energy adoption. Over time, community solar is expected to reduce strain on the grid, cut infrastructure costs, and lessen our dependence on fossil fuels—benefiting Mainers financially and environmentally.
 
 

When to Call 9-1-1

Only call 9-1-1 in an emergency - when police, fire, or medical services are needed right away in order to save a life, respond to a fire, or stop a crime. For non-emergencies, you should call the telephone number for your local police, fire, or EMS.  Remember: 9-1-1 equipment has TTY (teletypewriter) capability and is ADA compliant to support deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-impaired persons.

Text 9-1-1

Text to 9-1-1 is available in Maine. Voice calls are always best, but if you can't call, texting is the next best option.

For Non-Emergencies, Try 2-1-1

Have questions about housing or shelters? Heating or utility payment assistance? Substance use? 2-1-1 is a free & confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages across Maine to local services.

DigSafe

Planning to install a swimming pool, a basketball hoop, a fence, or even a mailbox on your property? Call DigSafe first. Before using power tools to dig into the ground, Maine Law requires you to:

1. Pre-mark the boundaries with white markings.
2. Call DigSafe at 811 three (3) business days (72 hours) prior to digging. This will notify the DigSafe team to come out and mark their facilities, like underground pipes and cables.

If you do not comply you may receive a fine up to $70,000 per violation. Don't break the bank by breaking the law. Use DigSafe. Calling and scheduling is simple fast and completely free.

Excavation

Homeowners

---

How to Get Involved

As a Maine energy customer, your voice is incredibly important. There are many ways you can get involved with the PUC:

Learn more about each of these ways to participate here.

File a consumer complaint here.