Maine Electricity Information
Maine gives residents and businesses the option to shop for their electricity supplier. Delivery is still handled by Central Maine Power and Versant Power, which remain responsible for maintaining the grid and ensuring reliability. Customers who do not choose a supplier receive the Standard Offer, which is set each year through a competitive auction overseen by the Public Utilities Commission. Most households stick with this default, but shopping is available, and the PUC publishes lists of licensed suppliers along with guidance to help customers compare offers. Maine’s setup blends regulated delivery with supplier choice, giving people flexibility on price and products while keeping grid reliability in the hands of the utilities.
Maine is a leader in renewable energy, generating most of its electricity from a combination of natural gas, hydropower, wind, and biomass. The state has largely moved away from coal and relies very little on natural gas compared to other states, keeping emissions relatively low. However, because Maine imports some electricity and has a less dense power grid, electricity prices are higher than the national average. Still, the state’s commitment to clean energy helps reduce its environmental impact and supports long-term sustainability.
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Ranks 45th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 28.14¢ /kWh
Ranks 44th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $138.05
Ranks 26th Cheapest in the U.S.
Electricity Production By Source
Emissions From Electricity Generation
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Renewable Electricity Generation
53.49% of Total Production
Energy Usage in Maine
Electricity consumption in Maine is relatively low, partly due to its small population and energy-efficient homes. Located in the Northeast, the state experiences cold winters, leading to high heating demand—though many homes rely on oil or wood instead of electricity. Summers are mild, keeping air conditioning use low. With a focus on energy efficiency and renewables, Maine continues to balance its energy needs while maintaining a cleaner, greener grid.
Municipal Utilities in Maine
While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Maine offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Maine, 0 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.
Largest Electric Companies in Maine
The rest of Maine receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:
Maine Natural Gas Information
Natural gas plays a relatively small role in Maine compared with most states. The big story is geography and infrastructure. Much of Maine has no local gas distribution, so households lean on heating oil, propane, wood, and increasingly heat pumps, while natural gas is concentrated along the southern corridor. Only about 8% of Maine households use natural gas as their primary heating fuel, and the state ranks among the lowest in per-capita natural gas use nationwide. Winter is long and cold, yet the limited network keeps direct residential gas demand modest, while power plants and industry use gas more selectively alongside renewables and biomass.
Most customers are served by Unitil and Summit Natural Gas, and the footprint may narrow further since Unitil has agreed to acquire Maine Natural Gas, pending approval. That concentration underscores how Maine’s gas story differs from its neighbors. The state’s energy mix is shaped less by gas pipelines and more by heating oil, propane, and clean electricity, with natural gas filling targeted roles where the pipes run.
Largest Natural Gas Companies in Maine
Many of the residents of Maine receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.
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Maine Internet Connectivity
Largest Internet Providers in Maine
When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Maine have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Maine homes online and in the loop:
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Consumer Rights & Protections
Maine law provides specific protections for utility customers, particularly during the harsh winter months.
- Winter Disconnection Rule: From November 15 to April 15, electric and natural gas utilities cannot disconnect your residential service without explicit permission from the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). This "Winter Rule" ensures that households are not left without heat or power during dangerous cold, though you are still responsible for the bills accrued during this time.
- Medical Emergency Protections: If a physician certifies that a lack of utility service would pose a serious medical danger to you or a household member, the utility cannot disconnect service for up to 30 days. This certification can often be renewed.
- Dispute Resolution: If you have a dispute with your utility company that you cannot resolve directly, you can contact the MPUC Consumer Assistance Division (CAD) at 1-800-452-4699 or file a complaint online.
Storm Safety & Outage Center
Maine's weather often leads to power outages. Bookmark these resources to stay informed during storms.
- Live Outage Maps:
- Report an Outage:
- CMP: 1-800-696-1000
- Versant: 1-855-363-7211 (or 207-973-2000)
- Emergency Prep: Residents in rural areas should maintain a "storm kit" with at least 3 days of water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio, as restoration times can vary in remote locations.
Community Solar (Net Energy Billing)
You can support renewable energy and lower your electric bill without installing panels on your roof.
- How it Works: Through Maine's Net Energy Billing (NEB) program, you can "subscribe" to a local solar farm. The energy produced by your share of the farm is fed into the grid, and you receive credits on your electric bill for that power.
- The Savings: Most community solar subscriptions in Maine offer a guaranteed discount (typically 10-15%) on the credits you receive, lowering your overall annual electricity costs.
- Who Can Join: This is an excellent option for renters, condo owners, or homeowners with shaded roofs who cannot install their own solar panels.
- Resources: Visit the Maine Office of Public Advocate’s Community Solar Guide to compare offers and understand contract terms.
Private Well Water Safety
Approximately 50% of Maine homes rely on private wells for drinking water. Unlike public water systems, private wells are not regulated or tested by the state—it is your responsibility to ensure the water is safe.
- What to Test For: The Maine CDC recommends testing your well water every 3 to 5 years for Arsenic and Uranium. These naturally occurring contaminants are common in Maine’s bedrock and can cause serious health issues over time, even if the water tastes and looks clear.
- Radon: You should also test for Radon in both your air and water, as it is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
- How to Test: You can order a test kit from the Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory or a private certified lab. Click here for the Maine CDC Well Water Safety page.
Internet & Connectivity in Rural Maine
If you live in a location with poor or no internet service, new state programs are working to close the gap.
- Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA): This state agency is leading the rollout of high-speed internet to "unserved" areas.
- Working Internet ASAP (WIA): For locations with absolutely no internet service options, the MCA’s "Working Internet ASAP" program may provide low-Earth orbit satellite hardware (like Starlink) to get you connected quickly while fiber networks are being built.
- Find Help: Visit MaineConnectivity.org to check your address for available programs and upcoming broadband expansion projects in your town.
"Before You Dig" (Dig Safe)
Whether you are installing a new mailbox, planting a tree, or putting in a fence, you must ensure you do not hit buried utility lines.
- Call 8-1-1: Maine law requires you to contact Dig Safe by dialing 811 (or 1-888-DIG-SAFE) at least 72 business hours before you start digging.
- It's Free: Utility companies will come out and mark underground electric, gas, and communication lines with colored flags or paint at no cost to you.
- It's the Law: skipping this step can result in dangerous accidents, service interruptions, and significant fines.
Utility Costs in Maine
The average monthly total utility bills in Maine is $292.09, which is 5.39% higher than the national average.
Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Maine
If you are struggling to pay your heating or electric bills, Maine offers several programs to help keep your home safe and warm. These resources range from emergency fuel assistance to long-term efficiency upgrades.
General Assistance Programs
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Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP/LIHEAP): Administered by MaineHousing and local Community Action Agencies (CAAs), this is the primary resource for heating aid. It helps qualified homeowners and renters pay for heating fuel (oil, kerosene, wood, propane, gas, or electricity).
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Apply Now: Visit the MaineHousing HEAP page to check eligibility and start your application.
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Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP): If you qualify for HEAP, you may also be eligible for LIAP, which provides a credit on your electric bill to make it more affordable. This is available through major utilities like Central Maine Power and Versant Power.
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Emergency General Assistance: Every town in Maine has a General Assistance (GA) program to help residents with basic necessities, including electricity and heating fuel, during an emergency. Contact your local town office or city hall to apply.
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Efficiency Maine: For long-term savings, Efficiency Maine offers low-cost or no-cost upgrades, such as heat pumps and insulation, specifically for low-to-moderate income households.
Special Programs for Seniors
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USDA Home Repair Grants: The USDA Section 504 Home Repair program offers grants to homeowners aged 62 and older who cannot repay a loan. These funds can be used to remove health and safety hazards or modernize heating systems.
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Priority Processing: Many Community Action Agencies offer priority appointment scheduling for HEAP applications to residents who are 60 or older.
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Aging & Disability Resource Centers: Local Area Agencies on Aging can help seniors navigate the application process for fuel assistance. Call 1-877-353-3771 to find your local agency.
Support for Veterans
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Veterans’ Emergency Financial Assistance Program (VEFAP): Managed by the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, this program provides temporary financial assistance to veterans who suffer an emergency and do not have sufficient savings to resolve it. This can include help with utility bills to prevent disconnection.
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Learn More: Visit the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services website for application details.
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Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): Organizations like Veterans Inc. operate the SSVF program, which can assist low-income veteran families with housing stability, including utility payment assistance.
Resources for Students
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Student Emergency Funds: Many Maine colleges and universities, including the University of Maine system and Community Colleges, manage emergency grant funds for students facing unexpected financial hardships. Contact your campus Financial Aid or Student Affairs office specifically to ask about “Emergency Student Aid” for utility costs.
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211 Maine: Students living off-campus who are independent or struggling can dial 2-1-1 or visit 211maine.org to find local heating banks and community resources that do not require standard student status verification.
Learn more in the Student Utility Setup Guide
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Utility Providers by City in Maine
| City Name | Population | Municipal Electricity |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn | 23,790 | No |
| Augusta | 18,895 | No |
| Bangor | 31,920 | No |
| Bath | 8,718 | No |
| Belfast | 6,890 | No |
| Biddeford | 22,331 | No |
| Brewer | 9,606 | No |
| Calais | 3,010 | No |
| Cape Neddick | 2,485 | No |
| Caribou | 7,448 | No |
| Cumberland Center | 2,956 | No |
| Ellsworth | 8,340 | No |
| Gardiner | 5,944 | No |
| Hallowell | 2,542 | No |
| Lake Arrowhead | 3,007 | No |
| Lewiston | 36,615 | No |
| Lisbon | 3,456 | No |
| Lisbon Falls | 4,213 | No |
| North Windham | 5,395 | No |
| Old Town | 7,415 | No |
| Portland | 220,807 | No |
| Presque Isle | 8,859 | No |
| Rockland | 6,977 | No |
| Saco | 20,203 | No |
| Sanford | 21,812 | No |
| South Berwick | 3,596 | No |
| South Eliot | 3,342 | No |
| South Paris | 2,169 | No |
| South Portland | 26,428 | No |
| Waterville | 15,872 | No |
| Westbrook | 20,074 | No |
| York Harbor | 3,819 | No |
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.













