Maine Electricity Rates
Maine was one of the first states in the nation to deregulate its electricity market, passing restructuring legislation in 1997 with full retail choice available since 2000. With rates averaging 29.55¢/kWh—64% above the national average—Maine residents have strong incentive to shop for competitive rates from licensed Competitive Electricity Providers (CEPs). The state’s two utilities, Central Maine Power and Versant Power, handle delivery while you choose your supplier.
Key Takeaways
Maine Avg Rate
U.S. National Average
How Maine Electricity Deregulation Works
Maine restructured its electricity market in 1997, requiring the state’s utilities to divest their generation assets and focus solely on delivery. Since 2000, all residential and commercial customers can choose their electricity supplier—called a Competitive Electricity Provider (CEP). Maine’s utilities, CMP and Versant Power, continue to handle delivery, metering, and outage restoration.
Identify Your Utility
Check your bill to see if you’re served by Central Maine Power (most of the state) or Versant Power (northern and eastern Maine).
Compare CEPs
Browse licensed Competitive Electricity Providers and compare supply rates, contract terms, and renewable energy options. The Maine PUC website and ElectricChoice.com provide comparison tools.
Select & Enroll
Choose a plan and sign up directly with your CEP. They handle the enrollment process with your utility.
Start Saving
The switch completes within 1–2 billing cycles with zero service interruption. Your utility continues to deliver power through the same lines.
Why Maine Rates Are Among the Highest in the U.S.
Maine’s high electricity rates are driven by its geographic isolation at the end of New England’s natural gas pipeline system, limited in-state generation capacity, aging transmission infrastructure, and reliance on imported fuels. During winter, pipeline capacity constraints can cause wholesale electricity prices to spike dramatically. These structural factors make it especially valuable for Maine residents to compare CEPs and lock in competitive fixed rates before winter.
Maine Electric Utilities
Maine is served by two investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities. Neither utility generates electricity—they are delivery-only companies.
Central Maine Power (CMP)
Maine’s largest utility, serving approximately 650,000 customers across southern and central Maine, including Portland, Augusta, Lewiston, and Bangor. A subsidiary of Avangrid (Iberdrola). CMP provides delivery service only—it does not generate electricity. Outage line: 800-696-1000.
Versant Power
Serves approximately 160,000 customers in northern and eastern Maine, including the Bangor Hydro and Maine Public districts. Owned by ENMAX Corporation (a Canadian utility). Versant operates two service territories with slightly different rate structures. Outage line: 855-363-7211.
Maine Energy Profile
Maine has a distinctive energy profile shaped by its abundant natural resources and geographic position. The state has significant hydroelectric and biomass resources, and is rapidly expanding wind power capacity.
Maine’s electricity generation is remarkably diverse for a small state. Hydroelectric power from the state’s rivers provides reliable baseload generation, while wind farms—both onshore and the planned offshore projects in the Gulf of Maine—are rapidly growing. Biomass from the state’s forestry industry is another significant contributor. Maine has set a goal of reaching 80% renewable electricity by 2030, one of the most ambitious targets in New England.
Best Time to Shop for ME Electricity
Spring: Mar–May
Heating season ends and ISO-NE wholesale prices drop significantly. CEPs offer their most competitive rates during this window. The ideal time to lock in a fixed rate for the year ahead.
Winter: Dec–Feb
Maine’s long, cold winters drive heating demand and natural gas prices. Pipeline constraints in New England cause dramatic wholesale price spikes that can double or triple variable rates.
Fall: Sep–Nov
An excellent window to secure a fixed rate before winter. Wholesale prices retreat after summer and before heating season begins.
Maine Electricity Rates by City
Compare electricity rates in these Maine cities. Each page shows live plans from licensed CEP providers, cheapest rates by usage level, and provider directories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Electricity
Is Maine a deregulated electricity state?
Yes. Maine passed electricity restructuring legislation in 1997, with full retail choice available since 2000. Customers served by CMP and Versant Power can choose their Competitive Electricity Provider (CEP). Maine’s utilities divested all generation assets and now function as delivery-only companies.
What is the average electricity rate in Maine?
The average residential rate is 29.55¢/kWh—64% above the national average of 18.05¢/kWh. The commercial rate averages 21.4¢/kWh. Maine has among the highest rates in the continental United States.
What is Standard Offer in Maine?
Standard Offer is the default generation supply for customers who haven’t chosen a CEP. The Maine Public Utilities Commission selects Standard Offer providers through competitive bidding for each utility territory. Rates are typically set for a one-year period. You can compare the Standard Offer rate against CEP offers to see which option saves you more.
What is Community Choice Aggregation in Maine?
Maine allows municipalities and groups of towns to form Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs that negotiate electricity supply on behalf of their residents. This bulk purchasing approach can secure lower rates than individual shopping. Residents in CCA communities are typically enrolled automatically but can opt out and choose their own CEP.
Who do I call for power outages in Maine?
For power outages, contact your utility. CMP: 800-696-1000. Versant Power: 855-363-7211. Your utility handles all delivery infrastructure and outage restoration regardless of your CEP.
About this Data
Rate data is sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the Maine Public Utilities Commission, ISO New England, and the ElectricChoice.com electric rate marketplace. Last data refresh: April 2026.