Updated with EIA data for August 2026
In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Maine was 32.11¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 77% higher than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Maine the 2nd most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 14.1% from August 2025 (28.14¢).
| Year | Avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Avg monthly use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (8 mo) | 30.23¢ | $164 | 542 kWh |
| 2025 | 27.69¢ | $148 | 533 kWh |
| 2024 | 24.29¢ | $134 | 550 kWh |
| 2023 | 27.42¢ | $154 | 560 kWh |
| 2022 | 22.44¢ | $131 | 583 kWh |
| 2021 | 17.02¢ | $99 | 584 kWh |
| 2020 | 16.81¢ | $96 | 570 kWh |
| 2019 | 17.89¢ | $101 | 562 kWh |
| 2018 | 16.84¢ | $96 | 572 kWh |
| 2017 | 15.97¢ | $87 | 546 kWh |
Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.
| Sector | Rate | A year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 32.11¢ | 28.14¢ |
| Commercial | 21.33¢ | 21.25¢ |
| Industrial | 14.24¢ | 15.27¢ |
| Transportation | 0.00¢ | 0.00¢ |
| All sectors | 24.21¢ | 22.89¢ |
At Maine's 12-month average residential rate of 29.60¢ per kWh, here is the energy cost for common monthly usage levels, next to the US average. Fixed customer charges, taxes and fees vary by utility and are not included.
| Monthly use | Maine | US average |
|---|---|---|
| 250 kWh | $74.00 | $45.40 |
| 500 kWh | $148.00 | $90.80 |
| 750 kWh | $222.00 | $136.20 |
| 1,000 kWh | $296.00 | $181.60 |
| 1,500 kWh | $444.00 | $272.40 |
| 2,000 kWh | $592.00 | $363.20 |
Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 26.56¢ (October 2025) to 32.41¢ (July 2026), and homes used the most electricity in March 2026 (669 kWh on average).
| Month | Avg rate | Avg bill | Avg use |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | 32.11¢ | $157 | 489 kWh |
| July 2026 | 32.41¢ | $143 | 441 kWh |
| June 2026 | 29.59¢ | $131 | 444 kWh |
| May 2026 | 28.63¢ | $144 | 504 kWh |
| April 2026 | 28.42¢ | $162 | 570 kWh |
| March 2026 | 28.31¢ | $189 | 669 kWh |
| February 2026 | 32.17¢ | $204 | 635 kWh |
| January 2026 | 30.73¢ | $181 | 590 kWh |
| December 2025 | 30.32¢ | $160 | 527 kWh |
| November 2025 | 27.81¢ | $147 | 529 kWh |
| October 2025 | 26.56¢ | $125 | 469 kWh |
| September 2025 | 27.88¢ | $131 | 470 kWh |
Maine's 12-month average rate is higher than all of its neighbors.
| State | 12-mo avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 29.60¢ | $156 | #4 |
| New Hampshire | 26.95¢ | $173 | #8 |
| Appliance | Typical wattage | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 750–1,500 W | $0.22–$0.44 |
| Refrigerator | 725 W | $0.21 |
| Clothes dryer | 1,800–5,000 W | $0.53–$1.48 |
| Washing machine | 350–500 W | $0.10–$0.15 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200–2,400 W | $0.36–$0.71 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500–5,500 W | $1.33–$1.63 |
| Microwave | 750–1,100 W | $0.22–$0.33 |
| Window fan | 55–250 W | $0.02–$0.07 |
All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Maine
Maine has retail electricity choice: in many areas, households can buy their electricity supply from a competitive retail provider instead of the utility's default rate. Your local utility still delivers the power and handles outages. Availability depends on your utility area. Compare the plan rate, contract length, fees and any cancellation charge before you switch.
Each kW of solar panels in Portland produces about 1,319 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Maine home, a 5.2 kW system would cost about $13,364 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 7.1 years. See the full Maine solar estimate.
Switching ProvidersMaine lets you leave the Standard Offer for a Competitive Electricity Provider. Here's how switching works, your PUC rights and what the Public Advocate found.
Switching ProvidersFixed plans lock your supply price per kWh for a term; variable plans can change monthly. Here is how each works, state rules, and how to choose.
Saving EnergyPractical ways to lower your electric bill, from free thermostat and standby-power fixes to LEDs, insulation and rate plans, each backed by DOE, EPA or EIA guidance.
SolarThe 25D federal credit ended for systems installed after 2025. Here is what now decides whether solar pays off, and how to estimate your own payback.
The average residential electricity rate in Maine was 32.11¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 29.60¢ per kWh.
The average residential customer in Maine paid $157 for 489 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.
In August 2026, Maine's average rate of 32.11¢ was 77% higher than the US average of 18.16¢.
Yes, Maine has retail electricity choice, so many households can buy supply from a competitive provider. Your utility still delivers the power.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Form EIA-861M monthly sales and revenue data. Latest month: August 2026. Recent months may be preliminary and revised by EIA. See how we calculate.