Electric Companies in Maine

Maine Electric Companies

The electricity bill includes a “supply” section. This is the largest part of the bill and can account for up to 60% of the total cost. This is what we pay to the electricity supplier. There are about 125 power companies operating in Maine that generate electricity. Most companies use hydroelectric dams, wind turbines, and gas-fired power plants. This includes Calpine, Brookfield Renewables, Central Maine Power, and Longroad Energy. Energy suppliers are poorly regulated. They can choose their customers and sell either to wholesale buyers or directly to consumers.

In Maine, the electricity transmission grid is operated by the non-profit organization Independent System Operator New England (ISO-NE). Part of the transmission grid in the north of the state is operated by Northern Maine System Operator. Private electric companies and local utilities, including Versant and Central Maine Power, repair power lines, transformers, local poles, and substations. They are responsible for the continuous delivery of electricity to consumers.

The state of Maine is one of the most advanced in the use of renewable energy sources. Most of its electricity is generated by hydroelectric dams, wind farms, and solar farms. There are 478 public electric vehicle charging locations in the state. Maine ranks third in New England in this regard. Although solar energy does not contribute as much, the use of solar farms and solar panels has been growing rapidly in recent years. Many electric companies in Maine, such as Kennebunk Light & Power District, ReVision Energy, and Gowen Power Systems, offer the installation of solar panels and other solar energy facilities.