| The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved new rates beginning in July to reflect increases in distribution and transmission rates for customers of Maine’s electric utilities. Some of the increase was the result of storm damage incurred over the past two years. The PUC also approved an increase in the stranded cost portion of electric bills to recover solar project subsidies and program costs of the Net Energy Billing program. On average, the new increases will cost ratepayers between $10-$17 per month, depending upon your provider. Several programs are available to assist qualifying residents with their electricity bills. Two such programs are the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LiHEAP), administered by the Maine Housing Authority (MaineHousing), and the PUC’s Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP). Applications for both LiHEAP and LIAP are administered by your local Community Action Partner (CAP) agency. You can apply for energy assistance beginning in July for the 2024-2025 season at your local CAP office found here. Visit MaineHousing’s website for more information about the application process. Another program to aid those who are behind or “in arrears” with their electricity bill is the Arrearage Management Program (AMP), which can help reduce the past due balance. This program is also administered by the local CAP agencies. For a complete list of energy and heating assistance programs available, visit the Public Utilities Commission’s website. |
