AUGUSTA – On Thursday, March 12, a measure sponsored by Rep. Kilton Webb, D-Durham, to help lower electricity costs for Maine families received unanimous, bipartisan support in a final passage vote in the Maine House of Representatives.
LD 2078 would create a sales tax exemption on all electricity sold and delivered to residential homes in Maine. Under current state law, only the first 750kw of electricity delivered to homes each month is exempt from sales tax.
“As the cost of living continues to rise, we need to ease the costs for families just trying to pay their bills,” said Webb. “This bill is a proactive solution that will help ensure that our neighbors, including working families, veterans and seniors on fixed incomes, can afford to keep their lights on – literally.”
Maine has seen significant increases in the cost of electricity over the last several years, largely as a result of New England’s dependence on natural gas to produce electricity. The price of natural gas specifically used for electricity generation is up 37%, resulting in a direct impact on the state’s electricity rates.
The bill faces a final vote in the Senate in the coming days.
Rep. Kilton Webb is serving his first term in the Maine House and represents House District 98, which includes Durham, Pownal and portions of Lisbon, Bowdoin and Topsham. He serves on the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.
Contact:
Meagan Sway (Webb) | 917-913-7369