CMP: Relief Available for Customers’ Electric Bills
Winter protections for residential customers will end in mid-April
Customers are urged to contact 211, Community Action Agencies, Central Maine Power for information on available assistance programs to prevent service interruptions
AUGUSTA, ME – March 20, 2025 – Winter protections for Central Maine Power (CMP) residential customers will end on April 15, 2025, and the company wants customers to know that relief is available for those who may be struggling to pay their bills. Customers can contact CMP at 800.686.4044 or call 211 Maine to learn more about available assistance options, determine program eligibility, and establish affordable payment arrangements.
Maine law prohibits residential disconnections from taking place during the winter period (November 15 through April 15), and some customers fall behind on their bills during this period. Statute also requires utilities to engage in collections activities for unpaid bills, and to socialized unpaid bills with other customers through electricity rates.
“The winter’s long nights and extended stretches of frigid weather cause our lights, heat pumps and heat blowing systems to work longer and harder. These are all factors that can contribute to higher electric bills in the wintertime,” said Linda Ball, Vice President of Customer Service at CMP. “We want our customers to know that if they are struggling to pay their bills, assistance programs are available. Call our team today so we can work with you to identify what options might be right for you.”
As part of the collections process, customers with past due balances are provided multiple communications in advance of any disconnection, including a bill, written notifications with additional time to make payment, reminder phone calls, and in some circumstances, an in-person visit. These measures are required by the Maine Public Utilities Commission and are intended to provide customers with significant advance warning to prevent disconnections.
Available relief programs include:
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Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Provides federal grant money to qualified customers to help pay their heating costs and may also help with weatherization needs.
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Electricity Lifeline Program (ELP): Customers who qualify for ELP could receive up to $1,200 towards their electricity bill.
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Arrearage Management Program (AMP): The AMP program helps qualified customers who are enrolled in HEAP or ELP reduce their past due balance by as much as $500 each month, as current monthly payments are made.
For more information, visit the Maine Public Utilities Commission website HERE.
More information on available assistance programs can be found:
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Contact Central Maine Power by clicking HERE to visit our ‘Help With Your Bill’ page to learn more about assistance programs or call us at 800.686.4044.
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Contact 211 Maine by calling 211 (or 207.874.2211) or texting a Maine zip code to the number 898-211.
Customers can also manage their monthly usage which can help to reduce monthly bills. Tools to help customers manage their accounts like Energy Manager and Usage Alerts are available to all CMP customers. Visit cmpco.com/Alerts to enroll or learn more.
Media Contact:
Cristina Wittman