MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Sanborn, 207-624-3687, Heather.Sanborn@maine.gov
November 20, 2025|HALLOWELL – The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has accepted bids for new 2026 Standard Offer electricity supply rates, which will result in higher monthly bills for residential and small business customers of Central Maine Power (CMP), and Versant Power’s Bangor Hydro District and Maine Public District. The Standard Offer serves as the default supply rate and is set annually through a competitive bidding process conducted by the PUC. Standard Offer supply is billed through CMP and Versant bills on behalf of the Standard Offer supplier, but these supply rates are separate from the distribution and transmission rates charged by the utilities.
Public Advocate Heather Sanborn issued the following statement:
“Coming just one day after the PUC dismissed CMP’s rate proposal, this increase in standard offer supply rates underscores how challenging and volatile energy costs have become for residential and small business customers in Maine. It’s also a stark reminder that affordability must remain at the center of every decision we make about Maine’s energy future.
“Based on an analysis done by my office, customers can expect their monthly bills to go up, on average, anywhere between $13 and $17. When every dollar matters, this is a significant increase for families and small businesses that are already stretched thin.
“We believe that the standard offer bids were higher this year because of increased prices for natural gas, as well as certain changes in the wholesale market that have introduced new pricing risks for the suppliers. The Public Advocate’s office remains focused on long-term strategies that will make Maine’s energy bills more stable and predictable.”
The Office of the Public Advocate encourages consumers with questions about their bills or supplier options to visit www.maine.gov/meopa for resources and guidance.