Help paying your electric bill in Maine
Maine got $42.7 million in the HHS table, about $72 for each of its 589,085 households. Income limit 60% of state median income; public line 877-544-3271. Heating help reached 43,599 households in FY2024.
Who to call in Maine
- Maine LIHEAP public line877-544-3271
- State program sitemainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energydetails/lihe
- Maine Public Utilities Commission800-452-4699 · maine.gov/mpuc · complaint form (links checked 2026-10-02)
How heavy is the energy bill in Maine?
12.8% of income in low-income households, 4.0% overall. Ranking, Maine prices.
| Group | Count | Maine detail | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 60% of median income | 163,980 households | 12.8% of income; $2,582 a year on $20,188 | rank 2 of 51 |
| All households | 580,172 households | 4.0%; $3,338 on $84,451 | rank 1 of 51 |
| Below poverty line | 67,452 households | 11.5% of 589,085 | U.S. 12.5%; rank 30 of 51 |
| Home price 2025 | 27.78 ¢/kWh | bill $148 a month at 532 kWh | U.S. 17.30 ¢, $152 |
CSV
CSVWhere Maine's low-income bills bite hardest
- Highest burden: Washington County 16.0% (5,502 households); Piscataquis County 14.7% (2,920 households); Sagadahoc County 14.7% (4,087 households); Knox County 14.3% (4,550 households).
- Most low-income households: Cumberland County 25,263 (11.6%); Penobscot County 22,030 (11.7%); York County 19,626 (12.4%).
16 counties.
Maine in numbers
- Maine ranks 3rd of 51 on FY26 LIHEAP dollars per household ($72), 30th on households below the poverty line (11.5%) and 2nd on low-income energy burden (12.8%).
- Per household below the poverty line (67,452 of them) the FY26 funds come to $633, rank 4th of 51: 36% of a typical year's electricity ($1,774). (even split, not a payment amount)
- 36,563 households got help in FY2022 against 163,980 at or below 60% of state median income in the 2022 LEAD file: about 22% (mixed years).
- Average heating benefit FY2022: $755, 43% of that year.
- Heating season: Year-round. Counted FY2024: heating, winter crisis, weatherization.
- Neighbours: FY26 dollars per household run from $61 (New Hampshire) to $61 (New Hampshire); low-income burden from 9.8% (New Hampshire) to 9.8% (New Hampshire). Maine: $72 and 12.8%.
LIHEAP in Maine: money, limits, people helped
| Measure | Maine | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Funds FY2026 | $42,697,525 = $37,041,104 + $1,280,506 IIJA + $4,375,915 | FY26 table |
| Income limit | Heating, Cooling & Crisis: 60% State Median Income (10+ Households at 150% Federal Poverty Line) Weatherization: 200% Federal Poverty Line | snapshot 20 Apr 2026 |
| Benefits FY2026 | Heating: $88 minimum, $1,012 maximum Crisis: $500 | snapshot 20 Apr 2026 |
| Helped FY2024 | Heating: 43,599 Winter Crisis: 6,051 Weatherization: 367 | snapshot 20 Apr 2026 |
| Program dates | Heating: Year-round Winter Crisis: November 1 - April 30 Weatherization: October 1 - March 31 | snapshot 20 Apr 2026 |
CSV
CSVAm I likely eligible in Maine?
Maine sets its limit at 60% of state median income; no estimate here. Median household income is $71,773.
Shutoff rules and moratoria in Maine
Maine: cold weather by dates; hot weather by none listed; health or age needs yes.
| Protection | Maine |
|---|---|
| Colder months, by date | November 15 - April 15 |
| Health or age needs | "Basic service is required for residential customers when a medical emergency necessitates a continuation of service." |
Clearinghouse, April 2026; cites Maine Statute; 130th Maine Legislature.
Rule text read, 2 October 2026: 65-407 CMR Chapter 815, Consumer Protection Standards for Electric and Gas T&D Utilities, Sections 10 (disconnection) and 11 (medical emergency). Maine bars utility disconnection of residential customers between Nov 15 and Apr 15 unless the PUC's consumer division gives permission. Otherwise nonpayment disconnection requires 14 days' written notice. A physician-certified medical emergency stops disconnection for up to 30 days per certification, at most three per premises per year. Quote: “A utility must provide residential customers with written notice of the intent to disconnect at least 14 calendar days before the stated disconnection date”. Source: text of the rule (state official (Maine PUC PDF)).
| Point | Maine: 65-407 CMR Chapter 815, Consumer Protection Standards for Electric and Gas T&D Utilities, Sections 10 (disconnection) and 11 (medical emergency) |
|---|---|
| Winter / cold | Winter Disconnection Period Nov 15 through Apr 15: utility may not disconnect any residential customer without prior permission of the PUC's Consumer Assistance and Safety Division (CASD), allowed only if customer rejects or breaks payment arrangements or cannot be contacted. Special Payment Arrangements offered. Cycle disconnections (if CASD permits) not on days not expected to reach 32 F, nor if children under 12 or elderly are present. |
| Heat | no season or temperature ban found in the text read |
| Who is protected | Section 11: utility may not disconnect or refuse to reconnect a residential customer when the customer or an occupant is certified by a physician (or agent/designee) to have a medical emergency; at least 3 business days pending certification; certification protects for the period specified or 30 days, whichever is less (at least 30 days if unspecified); no more than 3 certifications per premises in 12 months. Children under 12 / elderly covered in cycle disconnect rule. |
| Notice | Section 10: residential customers get written notice at least 14 calendar days before the disconnection date for nonpayment; notice cannot issue until 30 days after the bill was mailed; disconnection date not Friday, weekend, holiday or day before a holiday; notice effective 10 business days. |
| Payment plan | Section 9: utility must continue service if customer enters a payment arrangement for the balance and pays future bills; winter Special Payment Arrangements (customers may pay less than full bills) must be offered. |
| Who the rule covers | Electric and gas transmission and distribution utilities subject to PUC jurisdiction (not competitive electricity suppliers per definition read). |
| Complaints | Maine PUC Consumer Assistance and Safety Division, toll-free 1-800-452-4699 (as printed in Chapter 815 notice text). |
Did not read all sections (deposits, billing, appendices in detail) or check for amendments after the Jan 8, 2022 effective date shown in the PDF.
Paraphrase, not legal advice. Rules change; see the shutoff rules guide.
Utility and state bill programs in Maine
- Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) Maine's transmission and distribution utilities are required to create or maintain a LIAP to make electric bills more affordable for LIHEAP-eligible customers. The Maine State Housing Authority supports the statewide plan in...
- Central Maine Power Electricity Lifeline Program Offers qualified low-income customers a credit on their electric bill. This credit is based on household income and estimated electricity usage and is applied to your bill for the same amount each...
- Unitil Discount Rate Program LIHEAP recipients receive a discount on gas. To enroll, include a copy of your Unitil bill in addition to all other required documentation together with your completed LIHEAP application and return it to...
- Versant Power Low Income Assistance Program LIHEAP-eligible customers may qualify for a rate discount. Depending on income, the percentage of the discount will vary based on kWh usage. Contact local CAP agency.
Excerpts, section of 20 Apr 2026. Utilities: none.
Next to Maine
New Hampshire. Most FY26 funds per household: New Hampshire, $61. Maine: $72. All 51.
Maine on the map
5 steps if you get a shutoff notice in Maine
- Note the notice date.
- Call the utility (Maine Public Utilities Commission sets rules).
- Call 877-544-3271 or 211.
- Ask about dates-based or health protection.
- Unresolved: Maine Public Utilities Commission, 800-452-4699.
Sources
Linked above; list on the hub.
Last verified: 2 October 2026. Not legal advice.
Questions
How many Maine households got energy help?
36,563 in FY2022, 43,599 heating in FY2024, average heating benefit $755.
Is LIHEAP money enough for a Maine bill?
$633 per poor household, 36% of $1,774.
How much LIHEAP money does Maine get?
$42.7 million in FY2026, $72 per household, rank 3 of 51.
What income limit does Maine use for LIHEAP?
60% of state median income; median household income $71,773; FY2022 heating standard 212% for four.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in Maine?
Call 877-544-3271. Site: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energydetails/liheap
Can Maine utilities cut power in winter or summer?
dates for cold; none listed for heat. November 15 - April 15
How big is the energy burden in Maine?
12.8% of income for low-income households, 4.0% for all; $2,582 a year for the first group.