What to know about electricity rates in Maine

  • The average Maine electricity rate is 23.48 cents per kWh while the average national rate is 16.06 cents
  • The cheapest electricity rate is 11.35 cents per kWh for Maine residents
  • Maine's deregulated electricity market includes 170 providers

Best Maine electricity rates

Maine electricity rates range from 11.35 cents to 51.39 cents per kWh. The rates you find vary depending on the providers and plans available to you, and comparing companies is the best way to find better rates. Below are some rates from popular electric companies in Maine.

Rank Provider Service Rate (¢/kWh) Customers
1 First Point Power Energy 10.50 3,245
2 Kennebunk Light and Power Bundled 11.34 8,051
3 Houlton, Maine Electric Utility Bundled 11.94 5,493
4 CN Brown Energy Energy 13.22 6,236
5 Madison Electric Bundled 15.22 2,671
6 Major Energy Electric Services Energy 16.09 3,616
7 Eastern Maine Electric Coop Bundled 16.89 13,178
8 Ambit Energy Energy 17.07 4,880
9 North American Power Energy 17.08 2,199
10 SmartEnergy Holdings Energy 17.93 18,737

Because Maine has a deregulated electricity market, you have the flexibility to shop around for a cheaper electricity bill. Many states don't offer this choice. If you're looking to reduce your energy bill, consider switching to a different provider or plan. Maine electricity providers offer different types of plans for residents and businesses to satisfy a range of needs.

Average cost of electricity in Maine

According to our data, the average electricity rate in Maine is 23.48 cents per kWh. This equates to an average residential bill of $129.96 per month. The national average rate is 16.06 cents per kWh, and Maine ranks as the 46th lowest priced state in the nation.

Rate Usage Bill
Maine Average 23.48¢ 553 kWh $129.96
United States Average 16.06¢ 867 kWh $139.28

Since the average price is 23.48 cents per kWh or $129.96 per month for residential electricity, prices lower than these can be considered affordable. Electricity rates in Maine depend on your home size and usage, so the kWh rate is more useful when comparing your rate to the average.

Best electricity plans

In Maine, the best electricity plans provide competitive rates, renewable energy options, and fixed or variable pricing. Top providers offer reliability, transparency, and customer incentives so you can save money and enjoy responsive support.

We've analyzed the prices, terms, and conditions of popular Maine electricity plans. Below are our picks for the best residential plans in the state.

Provider Contract Term Rate Plan
12 months 14.75¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 14.99¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 15.99¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 16.49¢/kWh See Plan
See All Plans

Compare Maine electricity providers

There are 19 electricity providers in Maine. While some providers only serve specific areas, you have multiple options for electricity wherever you are. Different providers can offer different specials, plan types, and sales throughout the year. However, always read the fine print of the energy plans you consider to avoid hidden penalties.

Residential Electricity Providers in Texas

Provider Service Type Rate (¢/kWh) Rate State Rank Bill Bill State Rank
First Point Power Energy 10.50 1 $50.62 1
Kennebunk Light and Power Bundled 11.34 2 $93.34 9
Houlton, Maine Electric Utility Bundled 11.94 3 $88.67 7
CN Brown Energy Energy 13.22 4 $86.41 5
Madison Electric Bundled 15.22 5 $101.74 11
Major Energy Electric Services Energy 16.09 6 $102.96 12
Eastern Maine Electric Coop Bundled 16.89 7 $85.88 4
Ambit Energy Energy 17.07 8 $104.38 13
North American Power Energy 17.08 9 $93.60 10
SmartEnergy Holdings Energy 17.93 10 $89.47 8
Showing 10 of 19 providers

Business electricity rates in Maine

Commercial rates are typically cheaper than residential rates in Maine because businesses consume much more energy than homes on average. Businesses basically get a volume discount on electricity since they use so much. Our data shows the average business in Maine pays 20.84 cents per kWh for electricity and has an average bill of $34,982 per month.

Rate Usage Bill
Maine Average 20.84¢ 1,679 kWh $349.82
United States Average 12.07¢ 5,570 kWh $672.49

Finding ways to reduce overhead costs is essential as a business owner. You have the opportunity to do that in a deregulated electricity market. Even reducing your electricity by one or two cents per kWh can make a huge difference when you have a high monthly bill. Compare commercial electricity rates to find the plan that makes the most sense for your business.

Best commercial electricity plans

Below are the top commercial electricity plans in Maine.

Provider Contract Term Rate Plan
3 months 7.073¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 7.178¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 7.240¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 7.248¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 8.644¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 8.813¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 8.853¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 8.882¢/kWh See Plan
15 months 10.560¢/kWh See Plan
14 months 10.661¢/kWh See Plan
16 months 10.787¢/kWh See Plan
15 months 10.796¢/kWh See Plan
15 months 10.825¢/kWh See Plan
15 months 10.872¢/kWh See Plan
14 months 10.891¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 10.892¢/kWh See Plan
13 months 10.929¢/kWh See Plan
14 months 10.929¢/kWh See Plan
14 months 10.982¢/kWh See Plan
16 months 11.018¢/kWh See Plan
16 months 11.056¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 11.092¢/kWh See Plan
16 months 11.093¢/kWh See Plan
27 months 11.122¢/kWh See Plan
13 months 11.152¢/kWh See Plan
28 months 11.169¢/kWh See Plan
26 months 11.194¢/kWh See Plan
13 months 11.196¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 11.208¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 11.222¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 11.236¢/kWh See Plan
13 months 11.241¢/kWh See Plan
17 months 11.323¢/kWh See Plan
25 months 11.340¢/kWh See Plan
27 months 11.358¢/kWh See Plan
29 months 11.370¢/kWh See Plan
27 months 11.391¢/kWh See Plan
28 months 11.415¢/kWh See Plan
26 months 11.427¢/kWh See Plan
11 months 11.428¢/kWh See Plan
27 months 11.429¢/kWh See Plan
28 months 11.436¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 11.442¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 11.446¢/kWh See Plan
26 months 11.464¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 11.476¢/kWh See Plan
28 months 11.482¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 11.483¢/kWh See Plan
35 months 11.488¢/kWh See Plan
26 months 11.507¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 11.521¢/kWh See Plan
34 months 11.530¢/kWh See Plan
17 months 11.548¢/kWh See Plan
23 months 11.555¢/kWh See Plan
25 months 11.569¢/kWh See Plan
30 months 11.608¢/kWh See Plan
25 months 11.609¢/kWh See Plan
17 months 11.611¢/kWh See Plan
33 months 11.613¢/kWh See Plan
29 months 11.634¢/kWh See Plan
29 months 11.640¢/kWh See Plan
17 months 11.642¢/kWh See Plan
25 months 11.647¢/kWh See Plan
22 months 11.648¢/kWh See Plan
11 months 11.672¢/kWh See Plan
32 months 11.692¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 11.701¢/kWh See Plan
29 months 11.708¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 11.710¢/kWh See Plan
31 months 11.712¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 11.715¢/kWh See Plan
10 months 11.717¢/kWh See Plan
11 months 11.725¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 11.749¢/kWh See Plan
35 months 11.749¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 11.754¢/kWh See Plan
11 months 11.761¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 11.784¢/kWh See Plan
23 months 11.795¢/kWh See Plan
34 months 11.795¢/kWh See Plan
21 months 11.820¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 11.826¢/kWh See Plan
23 months 11.838¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 11.845¢/kWh See Plan
35 months 11.856¢/kWh See Plan
30 months 11.860¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 11.870¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 11.870¢/kWh See Plan
23 months 11.873¢/kWh See Plan
33 months 11.880¢/kWh See Plan
30 months 11.884¢/kWh See Plan
34 months 11.886¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 11.887¢/kWh See Plan
22 months 11.893¢/kWh See Plan
30 months 11.903¢/kWh See Plan
35 months 11.919¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 11.927¢/kWh See Plan
22 months 11.937¢/kWh See Plan
34 months 11.952¢/kWh See Plan
33 months 11.959¢/kWh See Plan
See All Plans

How to switch Maine electricity companies

Switching electricity companies in Maine involves a straightforward process that requires careful planning and attention to timing.

You'll need to contact your current provider and choose a new supplier up to 90 days before making the switch.

Key steps to guarantee a smooth changeover:

  • Research suppliers like SmartEnergy, Clearview Energy, and Electricity Maine
  • Compare rates with the standard offer from your utility company
  • Review contract terms and early termination fees
  • Verify the new supplier's requirements and deadlines
  • Align start and end dates between providers

After switching, monitor your first bill carefully and keep records of your new service agreement, including rates and renewal dates.

When is the best time to switch energy providers in Maine?

When should you make the switch to a new energy provider in Maine? The ideal timing depends on three key factors: seasonal patterns, contract terms, and market conditions.

For the best rates, you'll want to switch during spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when energy demand is lower. These shoulder seasons typically offer more competitive pricing and stable consumption patterns.

Before switching, you should:

  • Review your current contract's expiration date
  • Check for early termination fees
  • Compare rates from multiple providers
  • Plan the switch up to 90 days before your contract ends

Remember that Maine's deregulated market allows you to shop for better rates, but timing is essential for maximum savings.

How deregulated electricity works in Maine

Since Maine deregulated its electricity market in 2000, you've had the freedom to choose your electricity supplier while your utility company handles power delivery.

Under this system, companies like Central Maine Power focus solely on maintaining power lines and delivering electricity to your home.

You'll interact with two key entities:

  • Your utility company (handles transmission and distribution)
  • Your electricity supplier (provides the actual power)

The Maine Public Utilities Commission oversees this market, requiring suppliers to maintain 30% renewable energy portfolios.

Through deregulation, you can compare rates among different providers or join buying groups to negotiate better prices.

Types of electricity plans in Maine

Maine residents can select from four primary types of electricity plans, each designed to meet different household needs and budgeting preferences.

You'll find fixed-rate plans that offer consistent pricing throughout your contract term, typically ranging from 12.49 to 16.75 cents per kilowatt-hour. Variable-rate plans adjust monthly based on market conditions, while time-of-use plans provide lower rates during off-peak hours.

If you're looking to avoid deposits, you can choose between no-deposit plans (requiring good credit) or prepaid options.

Each plan type comes with distinct advantages:

  • Fixed rates provide predictable bills
  • Variable rates offer flexibility without contracts
  • TOU plans reward off-peak usage
  • Prepaid plans eliminate surprise charges

Compare Maine electricity rates

Compare Maine electricity rates to save money and avoid overpaying in the deregulated market. Your bill can vary greatly depending on the provider and plan structure. Take the time to read the fine print and do the math to figure out which is your best option.

Maine electricity rate FAQs

What is a good rate per kWh in Maine?

In Maine, a good electricity rate falls between 11 cents to 14 cents per kWh. Tired of high bills? Shop during spring and fall to lock in lower prices before HVAC use spikes in the summer or winter.

What are electric rates in Maine today?

Maine electricity rates currently average 23.48 cents per kWh, but you'll likely pay between 11 to 16 cents depending on your provider, location, and plan type.

Why is electricity so expensive in Maine right now?

Your Maine electricity costs may be high because of massive grid upgrades and rising natural gas prices. You'll pay more as utilities spend billions on infrastructure while data centers and extreme weather strain the system.

Will electricity get cheaper in the future?

Electricity rates fluctuate due to energy demand, fuel costs, grid infrastructure, and regulatory policies. While short-term declines may occur, long-term trends often show increases due to inflation, grid modernization, and shifts to renewable energy.