After July’s CMP rate hike, an even bigger increase is in the works
Maine families are feeling the squeeze, and it is not letting up.
CMP customers already experienced a CMP rate hike in July 2025, and now another, much larger rate increase is in the works, potentially in October 2026.
In its new “Investing in Maine’s Future” plan, CMP is proposing major investments over five years. The plan would require ratepayer revenue increases of 400 to 450 million dollars annually, totaling up to 1.4 billion dollars over five years to fund infrastructure upgrades. If approved, the average residential customer could see bills rise by roughly 420 dollars per year, or about 35 dollars per month, on top of the increases that already took effect in July.
Power lines keep Maine homes running — but CMP rate hikes are putting pressure on household budgets
For homeowners trying to budget in a time of rising expenses, this back-to-back CMP rate hike is more than inconvenient; it is a strain.
What Happened in July 2025
Earlier this summer, CMP customers saw their electric bills increase following an approved CMP rate hike in July 2025. This increase took effect on July 1, 2025, following state approval, and was intended to cover storm recovery, infrastructure upgrades, and regulatory charges.
Even for households with typical electricity usage, this CMP rate hike was noticeable, adding financial pressure to families already facing higher costs for heating, groceries, and other essentials.
CMP’s New Proposal: What It Means
The new “Investing in Maine’s Future” plan aims to fund major upgrades across the grid, including:
-
Installing covered utility wires to prevent tree-related outages
-
Replacing aging wooden poles with stronger steel ones
-
Upgrading substations and deploying modern smart-grid technology
-
Hiring around 400 additional full-time Maine-based employees, including approximately 200 new lineworkers
While these initiatives are important for long-term reliability, CMP’s plan would likely raise customer bills even further. Estimates suggest the average residential customer could see an additional 420 dollars per year, or roughly 35 dollars per month, if the proposal is approved.
Maine’s Rising Energy Burden
Maine consistently falls among the states with the highest electricity costs in the Northeast. Rate hikes like these, including every new CMP rate hike, intensify the challenge. With winter heating costs already straining household budgets, additional increases make it harder for families to stay on top of bills.
The reality is simple: as long as you rely fully on the grid, you are vulnerable to every CMP rate hike.
Why Solar Makes Sense Now
A Suncovia installer works on a rooftop solar system, giving Maine homeowners a way to reduce their exposure to rising CMP rate hikes.
Rising utility rates and the potential for future CMP rate hikes make solar an increasingly attractive option for Maine homeowners. Solar allows you to:
-
Lower or even eliminate monthly energy bills
-
Lock in predictable energy costs and avoid future CMP rate hikes
-
Reduce dependence on the grid
-
Protect your household budget from rising electricity prices
-
Generate clean, renewable energy at home
Unlike traditional electricity, which fluctuates with utility rate changes, a solar system gives homeowners more control. By producing your own power, you can effectively lock in your energy costs and reduce your exposure to future CMP rate hikes.
Why Choose Suncovia
Suncovia is Maine’s full-service solar provider, handling every step of the process in-house, from consultation to installation and ongoing support. Our team of local experts brings years of experience helping homeowners across the state save on electricity while increasing energy independence.
We create customized solar solutions for each home, ensuring each system is designed to maximize savings based on energy needs. With Suncovia, you work with a trusted local company that provides expert guidance, reliable service, and ongoing support as your energy needs evolve.
Planning for the Next CMP Rate Hike
With CMP planning another CMP rate hike in October 2026, now is a good time to explore solar and understand how it can help manage your energy costs. Suncovia makes it straightforward to evaluate your home, your energy usage, and your potential savings so you can make informed decisions about your electricity in the years ahead.
Get a free solar savings assessment and see how much you could reduce your monthly bill.
