The average residential electricity rate in Maine (ME) is $0.2955 per kWh as of April 2026, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). This is among the highest in the nation of $0.1805/kWh, ranking Maine #49 out of 51 (all 50 states plus Washington DC), where #1 is the cheapest and #51 is the most expensive. The average Maine household consumes 501 kWh per month, resulting in a monthly electric bill of approximately $148 and annual electricity costs of about $1,776.
Maine experienced the second-largest rate increase in 2025-2026, driven by transmission upgrade costs and gas price volatility.
This comprehensive guide covers Maine electricity rates, historical trends, utility providers, bill calculation, solar savings potential, and actionable tips to reduce your electric bill. All rate data is sourced from the US EIA and updated monthly. Use our electricity cost calculator for personalized estimates.
Maine residential electricity rates have increased 56% over the past six years. The table below shows the trajectory compared against the national average.
| Year | Maine ($/kWh) | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $0.1892 | $0.1322 | +43% |
| 2022 | $0.2240 | $0.1492 | +50% |
| 2024 | $0.2730 | $0.1680 | +63% |
| Apr 2026 | $0.2955 | $0.1805 | +64% |
Maine has a deregulated electricity market. The primary delivery utilities are: Central Maine Power (CMP), Versant Power.
Maine generates electricity from: Natural gas 25%, Hydroelectric 24%, Wind 22%, Biomass 16%, Oil 8%, Other 5%.
Your monthly electric bill = kWh Used × Rate per kWh. The average Maine household uses 501 kWh/month.
Maine is deregulated. Shop for competitive supply rates. Central Maine Power has faced criticism for billing accuracy. Community choice aggregation programs offer alternatives.
Universal strategies: adjust thermostat 2-3 degrees (saves 5-10% on HVAC), switch to LEDs (see our LED savings calculator), unplug phantom loads (saves $100-200/year), and run major appliances during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing. For larger investments, consider a heat pump, better insulation, or a smart thermostat.
Maine receives 4 peak sun hours/day. A 6 kW system produces ~7,183 kWh/year, saving ~$2,123/year. With the 30% federal ITC, payback is typically 4-6 years. Use our solar panel calculator and solar ROI calculator for personalized estimates.
| State | Rate ($/kWh) | Avg Bill | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine (ME) | $0.2955 | $148 | Deregulated |
| New Hampshire (NH) | $0.2310 | $142 | Deregulated |
Data source: US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Electric Power Monthly, April 2026. Rates shown are average residential rates and may differ from your specific utility tariff. Solar estimates assume a 6 kW system with 82% efficiency factor. Always verify current rates with your utility provider.