Navigating the landscape of electricity providers in Maine can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options is the first step to potentially saving money and choosing a plan that fits your needs. This guide helps you Compare Utility Suppliers, also known as Competitive Electricity Providers (CEPs), available in Maine for 2025. If you’re a resident of Maine, you have the power to choose who supplies your electricity. By comparing different suppliers, you can find rates and plans that may be more advantageous than the default Standard Offer service.
Understanding Your Electricity Options in Maine
Maine operates under a deregulated electricity market, which means you’re not limited to just one electricity supplier. Instead, you have the choice between sticking with the Standard Offer service or selecting a Competitive Electricity Provider (CEP).
The Standard Offer is the default service provided to customers who don’t actively choose a CEP. The rates for the Standard Offer are determined through a bidding process managed by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC). While convenient, the Standard Offer might not always be the most cost-effective option.
CEPs, on the other hand, are private companies that compete to offer electricity supply to consumers. They can offer various plans with different rates, contract lengths, and renewable energy options. By comparing CEPs, you can potentially find lower rates, fixed-rate plans for price predictability, or plans that align with your environmental values by sourcing electricity from renewable sources.
Key Factors to Consider When Comparing Suppliers
When you compare utility suppliers, several factors come into play:
- Rate (¢/kWh): This is the price you pay for each kilowatt-hour of electricity. Compare the rates offered by different CEPs against the Standard Offer rate to see potential savings.
- Fixed Rate Term: Many CEPs offer fixed-rate plans, which lock in your electricity rate for a specific period (e.g., 12 months, 24 months). This provides price stability and protects you from potential rate increases during your contract term.
- Renewable Energy Options: If you’re environmentally conscious, look for CEPs that offer plans with a higher percentage of electricity generated from renewable resources like solar, wind, or hydropower. Some plans offer 100% green energy.
- Contract Length: Consider how long you want to commit to a specific rate. CEPs offer various contract terms, so choose one that aligns with your needs and preferences.
- Early Termination Fee: While most CEPs listed in the tables below do not have early termination fees, it’s always wise to double-check the terms and conditions before signing up.
- Variable vs. Fixed Rates: Most plans listed are fixed-rate, offering price certainty. However, some variable-rate plans exist, where the rate can fluctuate based on market conditions. Variable rates can be risky but potentially cheaper at times.
Maine Electricity Supplier Comparison (CMP and Versant Territories)
Below are tables comparing Competitive Electricity Providers serving customers in the Central Maine Power (CMP) and Versant (formerly Bangor Hydro) territories as of February 1, 2025. Remember, prices can change without notice, so always verify the latest rates and terms directly with the supplier before making a decision.
CMP Rates
| Competitive Electricity Provider | Rate for CMP Customers (¢/kWh) | Fixed Rate Term | Early Termination Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential and Small Commercial Standard Offer(PUC) | |||
| 10.613 | 1/1/25 – 12/31/25 | No | |
| Ambit Energy 877-282-6248 | 12.00 | 12 Months | No |
| 12.75 | Ultimate Perks 12 | ||
| 18.00 | Winter Break 12 | ||
| 18.00 | Winter Break 24 | ||
| C.N. Brown Electricity 207-739-6444 | 10.61 | 10 Months | No |
| 11.61 (100% Green) | 10 Months GreenChoice | ||
| 10.00 | 9 Months March Start | ||
| 11.00 (100% Green) | 9 Months GreenChoice March Start | ||
| Clearview Energy 800-746-4702 | 16.49 | 6 Months | No |
| 16.29 | 12 Months | ||
| 15.69 | 24 Months | ||
| Electricity Maine 866-573-2674 | 13.99 | 12 Months | No |
| 14.49 (100% Green) | 12 Months GreenChoice | ||
| Major Energy 888-625-6760 | 12.49 | 15 Months | No |
| 12.69 | 23 Months | ||
| North American Power 877-572-9965 | 11.59 | 6 Months | No |
| 12.89 | 14 Months | ||
| SmartEnergy 800-913-9499 | 14.50 (100% Green) | 12 Months GreenChoice | No |
| Think Energy 888-923-3633 | 10.60 | 8 Months | No |
| 12.90 (100% Green) | 12 Months GreenChoice | ||
| 12.90 (100% Green) | 36 Months GreenChoice | ||
| Town Square Energy 877-430-0093 | 16.47 | 12 Months | No |
| XOOM Energy 888-997-8979 | 11.99 | 12 Months | No |
| 12.49 | 24 Months | ||
| 17.19 (50% Green) | Variable |
Versant (Bangor Hydro)*
| Competitive Electricity Provider | Rate for Versant (Bangor Hydro) Customers (¢/kWh) | Fixed Rate Term | Early Termination Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential and Small Commercial Standard Offer(PUC) | |||
| 10.563 | 1/1/25 – 12/31/25 | No | |
| Ambit Energy 877-282-6248 | 12.00 | 12 Months | No |
| 12.75 | Ultimate Perks 12 | ||
| 18.00 | Winter Break 12 | ||
| 18.00 | Winter Break 24 | ||
| C.N. Brown Electricity 207-739-6444 | 10.61 | 10 Months | No |
| 11.61 | 10 Months GreenChoice | ||
| 10.00 | 9 Months March Start | ||
| 11.00 (100% Green) | 9 Months GreenChoice March Start | ||
| Clearview Energy 800-746-4702 | 13.09 | 6 Months | No |
| 13.09 | 12 Months | ||
| 12.69 | 24 Months | ||
| Electricity Maine 866-573-2674 | 15.49 | 12 Months | No |
| 15.75 (100% Green) | 12 Months GreenChoice | ||
| Major Energy 888-625-6760 | 12.55 | 15 Months | No |
| 12.75 | 23 Months | ||
| North American Power 877-572-9965 | 11.59 | 6 Months | No |
| 12.89 | 14 Months | ||
| SmartEnergy 800-915-2934 | 13.00 (100% Green) | 12 Months GreenChoice | No |
| Think Energy 888-923-3633 | 10.60 | 8 Months | No |
| 12.90 (100% Green) | 12 Months GreenChoice | ||
| 12.90 (100% Green) | 36 Months GreenChoice | ||
| Town Square Energy 877-430-0093 | 16.47 | 12 Months | No |
| XOOM Energy 888-997-8979 | 11.99 | 12 Months | No |
| 12.49 | 24 Months | ||
| 16.49 (50% Green) | Variable |
Notes:
- Products with renewable energy content are marked with “(xx% Green)”. The Maine OPA cannot verify the source of this renewable energy beyond the supplier’s claims and minimum requirements.
- Standard Offer prices are updated annually on January 1st.
- *As of November 2023, some Versant districts may have limited CEP service options.
Take Action:
If you are considering switching to a CEP, it’s recommended to:
- Visit the websites of the listed providers or call them directly using the provided contact information.
- Check for the most current rates and plan details, as prices can change frequently.
- Carefully read the terms and conditions before enrolling in any plan.
- Contact your chosen supplier before your contract ends to renew, switch plans, or revert to the Standard Offer to avoid automatic renewals at potentially higher rates.
By taking the time to compare utility suppliers, you can make an informed decision that best meets your energy needs and budget in Maine.
