New, balanced reforms to Net Energy Billing program to take effect
AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, October 1, new electric rates for CMP and Versant customers will take effect, following common sense reforms made to Maine’s Net Energy Billing (NEB) program during the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature. Together, the new laws (LD 1777 and LD 1792) are estimated to save ratepayers $1.2 billion over the next 16 years, while maintaining the State’s commitment to increasing energy independence through clean energy development.
LD 1777, “An Act to Reduce Costs and Increase Customer Protections for the State’s Net Energy Billing Programs,” introduced by Rep. Sophie Warren, D-Scarborough, slows down the accelerating costs of community solar fields while keeping the successful and ratepayer-positive rooftop solar program intact. It also allows for a successor program to be designed in 2026 that can be tailored to meet the new and changing needs of Maine’s electrical grid and the people who use it every day.
“These reforms will protect Maine’s clean energy transition while saving ratepayers money — $1.2 billion over the next 16 years,” said Rep. Warren. “Community solar lowers bills for subscribers, but all ratepayers subsidize those savings at inflated costs. That burden falls hardest on Mainers least able to pay. This reform makes community solar more sustainable. It also allows us to develop more clean, affordable energy and meet our climate goals.”
LD 1792, “An Act to Ensure Fair and Equitable Recovery of Post-restructuring Stranded Costs,” introduced by Sen. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, reverses a decision made by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) that caused a massive rate increase for many Maine businesses in July 2025 and further requires that costs are distributed more fairly between CMP and Versant customers going forward. The law received near-unanimous support in the Legislature and was supported by groups ranging from local chapters of the United Steelworkers to the Maine Forest Products Council and the Maine Potato Board.
“All Mainers, and especially our major employers, need fair and predictable electricity rates,” said Sen. Grohoski. “The reforms being implemented this fall are stabilizing our rates and helping ratepayers breathe a little easier at a time of great global uncertainty. The law I introduced will make the rate system fairer statewide, especially for residents and manufacturers in eastern and northern Maine, who have been paying more for the State’s energy policies than their counterparts in the rest of the state.”
According to the Office of the Public Advocate, when the October rate changes take effect, the average monthly residential electric bill will decrease by $0.80 for CMP customers, while customers in Versant’s Maine Public District will see a decrease of $2.87.
According to the Industrial Energy Consumer’s Group, the 10 largest manufacturers in Maine are expected to save over $11 million annually as a result of LDs 1777 and 1792, and the three primary manufacturers in Aroostook County are expected to save nearly $1.5 million. These cost savings will protect manufacturing jobs that sustain families and communities.
“In my experience, it’s actually not that common to see decreases in bills, especially as instability around the world has made energy costs more volatile in recent years,” continued Sen. Grohoski. “So, I’m proud that we were able to look out for Maine ratepayers – from our neighbors to our largest employers – and help them save a little extra.”
LD 1792, as emergency legislation, took effect immediately upon being signed by Gov. Janet Mills on June 20, 2025. LD 1777, as non-emergency legislation, took effect on September 24, 90 days after the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned.