Compare electricity and natural gas rates for Maine

Maine is a deregulated state, allowing its businesses and residents to choose which energy supplier they would like to use. Since Maine became a deregulated state, more than 800,000 customers have switched their plans. The goal of deregulation is to help consumers find the most affordable electricity plan through a Competitive Electricity Provider (CEP).

Maine businesses and residents can choose energy plans featuring fixed and variable rates, green options, and term lengths that meet their needs. If customers choose not to receive their energy from a CEP, then their account reverts to their traditional utility.

Even though Maine became a deregulated state in 1995, it wasn’t until 2001 that consumers had access to the energy market. What this deregulation means for businesses and residents of the State of Maine is that they could stop using the state utility company and switch to a competitive retailer.

Deregulation offers the same high-quality power services to businesses and residents, except the Maine electric rates are competitive. That means, when customers call an energy supplier, that company contacts the utility company to set up service. So, when they receive their bill, they see it separated into two parts — the distribution and supply.

In the State of Maine, natural gas pipelines and local distribution companies (LCDs) have regulated services. However, natural gas marketers and producers are deregulated. Despite having rules that govern the company’s conduct, no agencies are directly overseeing their day to day operations. If it is an interstate pipeline company, the access to their pipelines and rates are regulated. The state’s utility commissions oversee the rates and procedures for local distribution companies.

Maine currently has four regulated distribution companies, including Northern Utilities, Bangor Gas Company, Maine Natural Gas Corporation, and Summit Natural Gas of Maine. You can learn more information about deregulation in Maine by visiting the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Choose Energy is your one-stop resource for finding the best rates for your Maine electricity supplier. You can also find more information about energy plans, rates, and how to switch.

In Maine, supplier charges show up on the utility bill. When you get your bill, you’ll see both the supplier’s fees and the utility’s rates. So, when you send in a total payment to the utility company, that company sends the supply portion to the electricity supplier. For example, if you are a CMP customer, that utility remits payment to the supplier for you. However, if you decide not to choose a supplier, then you receive the Standard Offer Provider.

Maine residents have several choices when shopping around for rates and plans. Here are examples of what is available:

• Fixed-rate plans: These plans are usually the least expensive and offer the same energy rate throughout the length of the plan. Fixed-rate plans generally have cancellation fees, but they are optimal for consumers looking for protection against rate increases.
• Variable-rate plans: Depending on the wholesale energy market, customers could see variations from month to month. These plans are optimal for those who are looking for a flexible plan that does not charge a cancellation fee.
• Prepaid plans: Prepaid options means that customers can prepay for their electricity and lock into that rate during payment. Like a fixed-rate plan, consumers do not see rate fluctuations during the time frame of their prepayment. For example, if they prepay for two months at nine cents per kilowatt-hour, then that rate is not going to change during those months.
• Renewable energy plans: Maine’s renewable energy is a thriving market with nearly three-fourths of the state’s electricity net generation coming from renewable energy sources during 2018. During 2019, Maine’s governor signed a bill mandating that at least 80% of the state’s energy should come from renewable sources.

At Choose Energy, we want to educate you about deregulation and what’s available for you to consider. For more information, click on the following Choose Energy resources:

• How do I switch energy from the Maine energy supplier I have?
• How are some ways I can choose the right Maine electricity plan?
• Is a deposit required?
• What can I do if my bill is too high?

In the State of Maine, there are 12 regulated utility companies. Among the competitive electricity providers are Clearview Energy and Electricity Maine.

There are several differences between a utility and an energy supplier. The most notable difference is that a utility company is responsible for maintaining the lines and infrastructure. That means, if there are power outages, customers must call their power utility company. An energy supplier is a company that sells power.

Choose Energy is a free service that aims to help you, the consumer, find the right energy plan for your household. To compare rates and plans, use the resources on our website, and then follow these steps:

• On the Choose Energy website, enter your ZIP code into the search box.
• The results you receive show the plans in your area. Once you select a plan, call or sign up online. Either way takes only minutes.
• Your new supplier will reach out to set up your service and the last step is enjoying your new plan!