New electric supply contracts selected by Maine utility regulators could increase household bills by $13 to $17 a month according to the Maine Office of Public Advocate.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission annually selects companies to provide electricity to homes and businesses in the state, a regulated rate called the standard offer.

The price of electricity in New England is tied to natural gas markets because gas is used to generate about half of the region's power.

Increasing natural gas prices are coming as Mainers are already dealing with rising power bills, said Public Advocate Heather Sanborn.

"When every dollar matters, this is a significant increase for families and small businesses that are already stretched thin," Sanborn said in a statement.

"The Public Advocate’s office remains focused on long-term strategies that will make Maine’s energy bills more stable and predictable," Sanborn added.

In an interview, Sanborn said that new power generation coming online this year from the Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm near Martha's Vineyard and Quebec hydropower through the controversial New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line in Western Maine could help offset electric prices in coming years.

The Office of Public Advocate is also examining ways to make sure Mainers get the best value from the bidding process to select electric providers, Sanborn said.

Continue at https://www.mainepublic.org/climate/2025-11-20/consumer-business-advocates-urge-focus-on-affordability-as-electric-bills-climb

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