MAINE, USA — As Maine customers prepare for expected rate hikes next month, representatives from Maine's biggest power companies are breaking down what to expect.
Starting July 1, several rate changes for Central Maine Power customers and Versant Power customers are going into effect according to the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
"Right now, we're looking at about a $12 to $15 increase for the average customer," CMP spokesperson Jon Breed said.
The average customer uses around 500 kilowatts of electricity per month according to the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
For the average CMP customer, that increase adds up to about $187 dollars a year.
Some Versant customers will also see an increase. According to Versant spokesperson Marissa Minor, customers in the Maine Public District will see a $7 increase per month.
However, the average customer in the Bangor Hydro District will actually see a decrease of about 60 cents a month.
Representatives say the increase is likely due to a couple of factors, with the first being the severe storms much of Maine experienced in the past year.
"And the three big drivers of those storm costs were the March nor'easter, Hurricane Lee and then the December storm which impacted much of the state," Breed said.
Another reason has to do with public policy charges meant to recover costs that come from funding programs like the Net Energy Billing programs. Customers part of those programs are able to offset their bills by using renewable energy sources, like solar power.
"Public policy charge is a fixed rate, and it depends on whether you're in the Maine Public District, Bangor Hydro District, what customer class you're in," Minor explained.
To offset future bills, Breed says CMP is already looking into ways to increase their powerline's resilience to severe storms.
"With this historic flooding, with this historic storms... there's no reason to think that that's going to change," Breed said. "We as Mainers need to continue to adapt."
If you are struggling to pay your power bill with these changes, customers can find local resources and assistance programs here.