How Central Maine Power compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Central Maine Power, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Maine Electric Coop | 17.06 | 10,803 | -6.38 | -$689 |
| Central Maine Power Co (this page) | 23.43 | 519,295 | — | — |
| Versant Power | 28.08 | 130,632 | +4.65 | +$502 |
2 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Central Maine Power. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Central Maine Power customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, while the supply portion is separately shoppable in Maine (see below).
Where Central Maine Power customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Central Maine Power premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Androscoggin | Houlton Water Company | 11.95 | +$1,241 |
| Cumberland | Houlton Water Company | 11.95 | +$1,241 |
| Franklin | Houlton Water Company | 11.95 | +$1,241 |
| Kennebec | Houlton Water Company | 11.95 | +$1,241 |
| Knox | Houlton Water Company | 11.95 | +$1,241 |
| Lincoln | Houlton Water Company | 11.95 | +$1,241 |
| Oxford | Houlton Water Company | 11.95 | +$1,241 |
| Sagadahoc | Houlton Water Company | 11.95 | +$1,241 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies. In Maine you can shop the supply portion regardless of county. Showing the 8 highest-premium counties of 14 served.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 27.45 | 23.43 | -14.6% |
| Residential customers | 513,418 | 519,295 | +1.1% |
Ownership: Investor Owned. Including delivery-only/third-party-supply accounts, Central Maine Power serves 577,955 residential customers in ME. Statewide context: Maine electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Central Maine Power bill
Maine has residential electric supply choice: Central Maine Power delivers the power and bills a default supply rate, but you may buy the supply portion from a licensed competitor instead. Compare offers against the price to compare on the state's official shopping site: maine.gov/mpuc.
Electric choice (CMP/Versant; PUC-set standard offer is the default/price-to-compare). No residential gas choice.
Counties served (ME, EIA-861 2024)
Androscoggin · Cumberland · Franklin · Hancock · Kennebec · Knox · Lincoln · Oxford · Penobscot · Piscataquis · Sagadahoc · Somerset · Waldo · York
Head-to-head comparisons
Questions people ask
- Is Central Maine Power Co more expensive than other Maine utilities?
- Central Maine Power Co customers paid an average 23.43 cents/kWh in 2024 — 3% below the Maine volume-weighted average of 24.05 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Central Maine Power Co?
- You cannot switch the wires company — distribution territory is fixed by address. Maine does allow supply choice, so you can buy the supply portion of the bill from a licensed competitor via maine.gov/mpuc if its offer beats the price to compare.
- How many customers does Central Maine Power Co have?
- 519,295 residential customers in Maine in 2024 across 14 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: investor-owned.