AUGUSTA – Today, a measure sponsored by Rep. Kilton Webb, D-Durham, to help lower electricity costs for Maine families received unanimous, bipartisan support in an initial 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.
“Right now, one of the biggest issues I hear from constituents every day is that the rising cost of living is hurting their budgets, and energy prices are right at the top of the list,” said Webb. “This bill won’t solve our problem of high electricity costs, but it’s a small and important step forward to help provide some relief for Mainers when they get their monthly bill. I’m grateful that the House gave this legislation such strong support today.”
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 further votes in both the House and 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.