CMP Seeks to Extend Savings Choices for Customers Using Heat Pumps and EVs

Nearly 7,900 customers are already enrolled in optional rate offering average first-year savings of more than $200.

AUGUSTA, Maine - September 9, 2026 - Central Maine Power (CMP), a subsidiary of Avangrid Inc., has filed a request with the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to keep the optional Electric Technology Rate available as a choice for residential customers. The rate, which is currently set to sunset by January 31, 2027, is designed for customers who use more electricity because they have adopted technologies such as electric vehicles, heat pumps or other electric equipment in their homes.

Today, about 7,900 customers are enrolled in the Electric Technology Rate, and participation has grown each year for the past three years. A review of this rate option found that most participating customers paid less for delivery service in their first year than they would have paid on the standard residential Rate A, with average first-year savings of more than $200.

"Extending this rate gives customers more control and choice at a time when we know they are looking for ways to save," said Linda Ball, President and CEO of Central Maine Power.  "Our customers are counting on us to look for thoughtful solutions that reflect the needs they have in their daily lives. Providing this optional rate does that."

The Electric Technology Rate was designed for customers with higher electricity usage. Using current CMP delivery pricing as of July 1, 2026, this optional rate can provide savings for customers who use at least 642 kWh per month.

While the monthly service charge is approximately $41, compared to about $27 for Rate A, this rate can reduce overall present-day delivery costs versus Rate A, as shown below.

This rate only affects the delivery portion of customers' electric bills. The majority of current electric bills are non-CMP costs that CMP does not control or profit from. Non-CMP costs include unregulated supply costs and public policy costs. For many customers, Rate A remains the lowest-cost delivery option.

The request to extend the Electric Technology Rate follows a request made by CMP last month to reinstate a rate specifically for customers using heat pumps. The company has proposed to create this additional optional delivery rate, following a prior pilot program.  The proposed Seasonal Heat Pump rate could lower costs for customers in cases where their usage drops in the summer cooling season as opposed to the winter heating season. For example, a customer using a monthly average of 300kWh May-October and 1,600 kWh November-April would save more than $640 over the course of the year.

Both of CMP's optional delivery rate requests will be reviewed by the MPUC through its public regulatory process.

For more information about these optional rates, or for other questions about electric bills, customers can contact CMP Customer Service at 800.750.4000. CMP representatives can help customers understand their energy usage, review available rate options, and answer questions about their account. Additional information is also available at cmpco.com.