Electric bills in Maine are set to rise on January 1, 2026, as the state's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has accepted a new Standard Offer price for electricity. This adjustment reflects the current energy climate, following several years of stagnant or declining rates. The increase affects only the supply portion of electricity bills, which goes to the companies generating power, and not the delivery portion, which goes to Central Maine Power (CMP) for distributing electricity to homes and businesses. For residential customers, the rate will rise from 10.61 cents per kilowatt-hour to 12.72 cents, translating to an extra $11 on the monthly bill for the average CMP household using around 550 kilowatt-hours per month. Most CMP customers receive electricity under the Standard Offer, but Maine residents also have the option to choose competitive energy providers. These alternative plans can be higher or lower than the Standard Offer rate and often require signing a contract.
