Molly Ayala
If you're looking to sign up for electricity in Maine, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll need to decide on an electricity supplier, such as Electricity Maine or Central Maine Power, and review their rates and terms of service. It's important to be aware that prices can change without notice, so be sure to check for any updates before signing up. Additionally, you may be eligible for financial assistance programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or the Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) if you're a qualified low-income electricity consumer. These programs can help reduce your electricity costs. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of your chosen supplier and any assistance programs you plan to apply for.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity Provider | Electricity Maine |
| Contact Number | 1-866-573-2674 |
| Terms of Service | Must be agreed to before enrollment |
| ACH Agreement | Required for automatic drafting of payments |
| Rate Changes | Customers notified 30-60 days in advance |
| Billing | One bill from CMP or Emera Maine |
| Supply Costs | $0.0754/kWh |
| Assistance Programs | Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP), Arrearage Management Program (AMP) |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding your Electricity Maine bill
Electricity bills in Maine have two parts: delivery and supply. The delivery charges cover the cost of maintaining lines and meters, responding to outages, and overseeing your account. These charges are paid to CMP or Emera Maine, who deliver the electricity to your home or business. You will continue to be their customer and contact them if your power goes out or you have any other service issues. The supply charges are the cost of acquiring the actual electricity flowing into your home.
Most Mainers receive their electricity supply from the Standard Offer Provider at a rate set by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The standard offer is the default electric supplier for Mainers' electric bills. The default residential supply price, or "standard offer," for electricity is set annually through a competitive bid process administered by the PUC. About 90% of residential and small business customers in Maine receive the default standard offer price for power.
Some customers purchase their supply from Competitive Electricity Providers (CEPs) who are allowed to set their own rates without PUC approval. CEPs often offer an initial "teaser" rate below the Standard Offer rate, but later raise the rate. If you receive your electric supply from a CEP, check the Supply page of your bill to make sure you are not paying more than the current Standard Offer rate. If you are, you can call your utility to switch to the Standard Offer.
There are programs in place to help if your electric bill is unaffordable. Call 2-1-1 to be connected to resources in your community. You can also use the Energy Manager tool on the CMP website or the Online Services Portal on the Versant website to track your usage and find out when your usage is occurring. Efficiency Maine also has rebate programs to help you evaluate your home's efficiency, as well as rebates for insulation, heat pumps, and energy-efficient appliances.
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Assistance programs for low-income households
Maine has several assistance programs to help low-income households with their electricity costs. Here is a detailed overview of some of these programs:
Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP)
The Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) is a financial assistance program that helps qualified low-income electricity consumers in Maine pay for their electricity costs. Eligibility for LIAP is generally based on participation in specific low-income programs, such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or other means-tested programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). If qualified for LIAP, individuals will receive a credit on their electric utility bill, which is based on their income and electricity usage. The application process can be done through the local Community Action Agency (CAA).
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is another program that assists low-income renters and homeowners in Maine with their heating costs, including electric heat, as well as other energy sources like oil, propane, and natural gas. While LIHEAP does not cover the full cost of heating, it helps to reduce these expenses. This program is administered by the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) and the local Community Action Agency.
Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)
The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) is an emergency assistance program that provides eligible households with emergency fuel assistance. Households may qualify for up to $800 in emergency funds to prevent an energy crisis. This program is typically accessed through the local Community Action Agency, which can provide information on eligibility and the application process.
Efficiency Maine
Efficiency Maine is a statewide initiative that promotes the efficient use of electricity and helps residents reduce their energy costs. This program offers rebates and incentives for residential weatherization upgrades, such as insulation and air sealing. Low- to moderate-income households may be eligible for enhanced rebates of up to $9,600 to improve their homes' energy efficiency. Efficiency Maine can be contacted directly for more information on eligibility and available rebates.
Link-Up Program and Lifeline Program
The Link-Up Program assists qualifying households in Maine by reducing the installation costs of new service hook-ups. Additionally, the Lifeline program provides qualifying households with a significant credit on their local telephone bills or internet broadband service. These programs recognize the importance of telephone and internet connectivity for public health and safety.
It is important to note that eligibility criteria and application processes may vary for these programs, so it is recommended to contact the relevant organizations, such as the local Community Action Agency or Efficiency Maine, to confirm specific requirements and available assistance options.
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Terms of Service and rate changes
Terms of Service:
When signing up for electricity in Maine, you will enter into a legal agreement with the chosen electricity provider. This agreement sets forth the terms of service, outlining the rights and obligations of both parties. It is important to carefully review these terms, as they may vary slightly between providers. The terms of service typically cover topics such as billing, payment methods, dispute resolution processes, privacy policies, and service expectations. Understanding these terms helps you comprehend your rights as a consumer and the provider's responsibilities in delivering reliable electricity service.
Rate Changes:
Electricity rates in Maine can vary and are subject to change. When signing up for electricity services, it is imperative to understand the rate structure offered by your chosen provider. Some providers may offer fixed-rate plans, providing rate stability by locking in a consistent rate for a specified period. This protects you from potential rate increases during the fixed-rate period. On the other hand, variable-rate plans may fluctuate based on market conditions and the cost of electricity generation, leading to potential savings or higher rates depending on market trends.
Reviewing Rate Change Policies:
It is crucial to review and understand the rate change policies implemented by your electricity provider. Reputable providers will have transparent policies outlining the procedures and conditions under which rates may be adjusted. These policies should detail the frequency of rate reviews, such as annual or quarterly assessments, and explain the factors considered when adjusting rates, including changes in wholesale electricity prices or fuel costs. Additionally, providers should provide a reasonable notice period before implementing any rate changes, allowing you to adjust your budget accordingly.
Comparing Rates and Plans:
Before finalizing your decision, take the time to compare rates and plans offered by different electricity providers operating in Maine. This informed comparison enables you to choose the most suitable option based on your usage patterns and budget. Consider factors beyond just the initial rates, such as the length of the contract, potential early termination fees, and any promotional rates or discounts offered to new customers. Pay attention to the fine print and don't hesitate to ask questions for clarification, ensuring you fully understand the rate structures and potential for future rate adjustments.
Understanding Rate Components:
Electricity rates in Maine typically comprise several components, each contributing to the overall cost of your electricity service. These components may include generation rates, which relate to the production of electricity itself, transmission rates that cover the cost of delivering electricity over power lines, distribution rates associated with the maintenance of local utility infrastructure, and supply charges levied for the procurement and management of electricity supplies. Understanding these rate components enhances your ability to interpret your electricity bill and provides insight into the various factors influencing your overall electricity costs.
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Payment options for delinquent accounts
If your Electricity Maine account becomes delinquent, you may be contacted directly by Electricity Maine to discuss payment options. There are many state and local resources available to help you pay for utilities and reduce your household utility costs. If you need financial assistance, you can contact your local community action agency. You can also contact the Maine Public Utilities Commission Consumer Assistance Division, open Monday to Friday, 9 am-4 pm ET.
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Contacting Electricity Maine
Electricity Maine will notify customers 30-60 days in advance of any rate changes. This is done as per the requirements of the Maine Public Utilities Commission. This information will also be posted on their website, per the Terms of Service.
To discuss payment options for your account, you may be contacted directly by Electricity Maine. You can also contact them at 866-573-2674 to discuss these arrangements.
If you are enrolling online, you will be asked to check a box that states you agree to the terms of service. If you are enrolling by telephone, the customer service representative will answer any questions you may have before you enroll and agree to the terms.
Electricity Maine recommends that all customers wishing to enroll with them read their Terms of Service before enrolling. You can also contact them via email at [email protected].
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Frequently asked questions
You can sign up for electricity in Maine by contacting Electricity Maine at 866-573-2674. You will need to accept their Terms of Service, and you may also need to sign an ACH agreement for automatic drafting of payments.
There are two main charges on your electricity bill: "Electricity Delivery" and "Electricity Supply". The delivery charge covers the cost of maintaining lines and meters, responding to outages, and overseeing your account. The supply charge is the cost of acquiring the electricity flowing into your home.
If your account becomes delinquent, you may be contacted directly by Electricity Maine to discuss payment options. You can also reach out to your local Community Action Agency to explore financial assistance options.
There are several state and local programs that can help low-income residents with their electricity costs, such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP). Additionally, Electricity Maine offers competitive rates and notifies customers in advance of any rate changes.
If you move, you will need to communicate your account change to CMP or Emera Maine and request a "Seamless Move" to ensure you can continue with Electricity Maine at your new address.
