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With winter here and energy prices increasingly high, please see the below statement from the Office of the Public Advocate regarding electric bill assistance:
Electricity Assistance is Available to More Mainers Than Ever
Mainers participating in DHHS programs with a household income less than 75% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, have recently received notice of their eligibility to receive assistance with their electricity bill payments. Recipients are urged to contact their utility to take advantage of this support program as we enter the winter heating season. Individuals can also contact their local community action agency to find additional programs that may benefit their household.
What to do if you are behind on your utility bills
Consumer calls to the OPA continue to be much higher than normal. This month brought many calls and emails from people concerned about increasing utility bills. There are a few key steps that you can take to ensure continued service.
1. Contact your utility. Ask about a payment arrangement to pay down your back balance.
2. If you have a payment arrangement with your utility and you can’t afford it, contact the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s Consumer Assistance Division at (800)452-4699 to see if they can negotiate a more favorable rate for you.
3. Call your local Community Action Partnership (CAP). There are heating, electric, and pandemic assistance funds available to help with your utility bills.
4. Contact your town for general assistance fund support.
5. If you are eligible for heating assistance, call your electric utility and ask about enrolling in arrearage management. This program provides debt forgiveness as you pay your current electricity bill on-time.
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