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Maine · Updated August 2026
Central Maine Power rates in 2026
What Central Maine Power customers are actually paying, where the number comes from, and what it means for your bill. Serving Portland, Augusta, Lewiston, Brunswick, Waterville and most of central and southern Maine.
11.96¢Standard Offer supply rate, effective July 1, 2026Ranked #1 by Solar Power World · Inc. 5000 · 20,000+ installations
The numbers
Where Central Maine Power stands right now
| Measure | Current | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Offer (supply) | 11.959¢ | Effective July 1, 2026 |
| January 1, 2026 rate | 12.721¢ | Up from 10.613¢ — a 20% jump |
| All-in residential estimate | ~27¢ | Supply + delivery + stranded costs |
| Maine, year over year | +22.6% | Steepest increase of any state, August 2026 |
| Typical household | ~550 kWh/mo | Below the national average |
Figures as published August 2026. Utility rates change on published schedules — check your own bill for the rate that applies to your account.
Why the number is what it is
What is actually driving this
January went up 20%. July came back down.
The Maine PUC sets the Standard Offer annually on January 1 through a competitive bid. On January 1, 2026 it rose from 10.613¢ to 12.721¢ — about 20%. A mid-year adjustment brought it to 11.959¢ on July 1, largely because 2023 and 2024 storm recovery costs finished being paid off. We would rather tell you that than pretend the direction is only one way.
Maine had the steepest increase in the country
Across the twelve months to August 2026, Maine electricity rates rose 22.6% — more than any other state. Idaho was second at 15.3%. That is the number that matters, not this July's adjustment.
End of the pipeline
Maine sits at the far end of New England's natural gas pipeline system. When winter demand tightens capacity, wholesale prices spike sharply. New England averages 25.91¢ residential against a national 18.44¢ — 38% higher — and six of the ten most expensive states are in the region.
The honest cost picture
Two ways to pay for solar, and they are very different
If you buy the system
You own the equipment, you keep any renewable energy credits, and you carry the maintenance responsibility. Installed pricing varies by roof, shading and system size.
If you use a PPA
$0 upfront. We install and own the system; you buy the power it produces at a rate set in your agreement, and you only pay for what it actually generates. The system owner carries maintenance for the life of the agreement.
The residential federal tax credit (25D) ended for systems purchased after December 31, 2025.
You will still see ads promising a 30% credit that “ends December 31.” Read the date on them. If you buy a system today as a homeowner, you cannot claim that credit. What remains applies to the owner of the system — which, under a PPA, is us. SolarAmerica does not provide tax advice; talk to your tax professional about your situation.
Who you would be working with
SolarAmerica
We design your system and manage the project; installation is performed by vetted licensed partners in your area.
Central Maine Power questions
The things people actually ask
Did Maine rates go down in July?
Central Maine Power's Standard Offer fell from 12.721¢ to 11.959¢ on July 1, 2026, mainly because 2023–24 storm recovery costs were paid off. But the January 1 reset had raised it about 20%, and Maine still posted the steepest year-over-year increase of any state.
Am I served by CMP or Versant?
Your bill names the utility. Central Maine Power covers most of central and southern Maine including Portland and Augusta. Versant Power serves northern and eastern Maine.
Does solar work in Maine?
Panels generate from light rather than heat and run more efficiently in cold weather. Maine's all-in residential rate near 27 cents is well above the national average, and the per-kilowatt-hour math is what decides whether solar pays — not annual sunshine hours.
See what your roof and Central Maine Power actually add up to
About 60 seconds. No cost, no obligation, and we will tell you if solar does not make sense for your home.
Ranked #1 by Solar Power World · 20,000+ installations · Licensed installers