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.

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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.

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.

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

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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.