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Maine Municipality News · PRACTICAL EXPLAINER

Maine begins automatic electric-bill discounts for eligible households

Staff Writer · 2026-10-04

Maine is beginning automatic electric-bill discounts for eligible low-income households served by Central Maine Power and Versant, using existing benefit-program records to enroll qualifying customers without a separate utility application.

The SupportLink process uses information already held by Maine DHHS for programs including SNAP, TANF and MaineCare. Households participating in the federal Home Energy Assistance Program will also be enrolled through information shared by MaineHousing. Eligibility remains limited to households at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines or otherwise eligible for HEAP.

Discounts vary by income. The state says CMP customers could receive 25% to 81% off a monthly bill and Versant customers 17% to 83%. Eligible customers should expect the adjustment on or soon after their November bill and should confirm that it appears. Smaller consumer-owned utilities will continue applying LIAP assistance as a lump sum.

Returning participants matched through a DHHS program do not need to submit another enrollment form, although they should monitor their bills. People who previously enrolled through a Community Action Agency must contact that agency again, and households not participating in a DHHS program may apply through their local agency. The program has $40.5 million for 2026, up from $22.5 million in 2025.

Official source: Office of Governor Janet T. Mills

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