Thousands of eligible Mainers to automatically receive discounts on electric bills
Maine’s Low‑Income Residents to Get Automatic Electricity Discounts
By the Maine News Now team
Gov. Janet Mills announced Thursday that Maine will distribute roughly $40 million in electric‑bill discounts to low‑income households, a significant jump from the state’s 2025 allocation of $22.5 million. The new funds will be applied automatically to eligible customers’ bills, beginning with the November cycle, and will replace last year’s one‑time lump‑sum rebates.
How the program works
Mills said the money will be spread through the state’s Low Income Assistance Program, which is part of the broader “SupportLink” initiative that connects residents with any discount or relief they qualify for. The program will use data from existing state services—such as SNAP, MaineCare, and the Home Energy Assistance Program—to identify households that meet the income threshold of 150 % of federal poverty guidelines. Those already enrolled in a Department of Health and Human Services program will be enrolled automatically; others can apply directly.
Once a household’s eligibility is confirmed, the state will share the information securely with the relevant utility. The utilities will then apply the discount to the customer’s bill for each month. The discount amounts differ by utility and by income level: Central Maine Power customers may receive between 25 % and 81 % off, while Versant customers could see savings of 17 % to 83 %. The program covers nine electric utilities in the state, plus Efficiency Maine and the Portland Water District.
The new monthly structure is a departure from previous practice. Last year’s program gave participants a lump‑sum payment, whereas the updated version provides a direct, recurring deduction on every bill. “Families should not have to navigate multiple applications or send paperwork from one agency to another when we can securely share the information needed to connect them with help,” said Ian Yaffe, director of the Maine DHHS Office for Family Independence.
Who will benefit
Last year, about 44 000 Maine ratepayers were enrolled in the program. Officials estimate an additional 23 000 households now qualify, bringing the total eligible population to roughly 67 000. The automatic enrollment is expected to increase participation substantially.
“SupportLink will provide meaningful, predictable support for struggling Mainers,” said Public Advocate Heather Sanborn. “The automatic process removes many of the administrative hurdles that have historically kept eligible families from accessing available resources.”
Dan Brennan, director of MaineHousing, added that the initiative will “help take some of the complications and pressures off our most vulnerable households.”
Funding
The program’s $40 million budget includes a $7.5 million supplemental allocation approved early this year, and is largely funded by a monthly surcharge of about $2 on the average ratepayer’s bill. Additional support comes from New England Clean Energy Connect, which contributes to the overall funding mix.
Governor’s statement
In her announcement, Gov. Mills criticized federal tariff policies and the “reckless war in Iran” as forces pushing Maine families toward financial hardship. “At a time when every dollar matters, my administration is making it easier for vulnerable Mainers to lower their electric bills without unnecessary paperwork or bureaucratic hurdles,” Mills said.
Looking ahead
The first discounts are expected to appear on the November bill, though the timing may vary slightly because billing cycles do not always align with the calendar month. Residents who are not yet enrolled in a DHHS program can apply through the Low Income Assistance Program website.
By linking state services and utilities, the initiative aims to provide a smoother, more reliable means of financial relief for low‑income households across Maine.
