News & Press Releases

As Maine continues moving toward a cleaner energy future, Versant Power is building the technology needed to keep the grid strong, steady, and ready for the increased flow of renewable power. One of the most important steps in that journey is happening right now in the Hancock County community of Sullivan, where a new Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) has been installed to support power coming in from a nearby coastal wind farm.

Versant Power has successfully achieved its goal of matching $200,000 in donations through its charitable matching program, Power Match. Launched in December 2022, Power Match provided electricity bill credits averaging $375 per household to more than 800 customers in need within the communities we serve.

Versant Power just unveiled a new custom-built mobile substation — a powerhouse on wheels designed to keep customers connected during upgrades or emergencies.

Versant Power is pleased to announce that Erica Young will join the organization next year as president. Erica will replace outgoing president John Flynn, who has announced plans to retire effective April 30, 2026, after more than 40 years in the utility industry and five years leading the Versant Power team.

Starting Oct. 1, all Versant Power customers will see changes to the Stranded Costs rate and Public Policy Charge on their bills. Changes are due to the recent enactment of two pieces of legislation: LD 1792, An Act to Ensure Fair and Equitable Recovery of Post-restructuring Stranded Costs, and LD 1777, An Act to Reduce Costs and Increase Customer Protections for the State’s Net Energy Billing Programs.

Versant Power will be replacing aging equipment with new smart devices called Compact Modular Reclosers (CMRs) along Route 193 in the Deblois and Beddington area. Work is expected to be completed in October.

Versant Power will be making upgrades to a Surry distribution line beginning next week. The project will improve service for approximately 300 customers on the easterly side of Toddy Pond.

Versant Power will hold a virtual session on its integrated grid planning work at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 10. This

Starting July 1, all Versant Power customers will see changes on their bills. Bangor Hydro District customers will see changes to stranded cost, distribution, conservation, and Public Policy Charge rates and customers in the Maine Public District will see changes to their stranded cost, distribution, transmission, and conservation and Public Policy Charge rates.

Six miles of weakened equipment that is over sixty years old will be removed and replaced from Hamlin to Van Buren.

Versant Power will replace over 20 miles of bare wire with covered conductor in 2025. Covered conductor is a type of wire wrapped in an insulated material that makes it more resistant when trees and branches contact the line, helping to prevent faults and outages.

Osprey pairs that nest on Versant Power’s Lamoine and Mount Desert Island nesting platforms have returned and are available for 24/7 viewing at versantpower.com/osprey

After a yearlong review process, the Maine Public Utilities Commission has approved a distribution rate change for Versant Power customers effective April 1. For the average residential customer using 500 kilowatt-hours per month, this change would mean an increase of about $11 per month, or 8% of the total bill. For a customer using 750 kwh, it would result in a $16.50 increase, and for 1,000 kwh, an increase of about $22.

Versant Power crews have been making major improvements at the Orono substation to facilitate load growth and reliability in the area. Power System Technicians are currently standing up steel at the site to support the new infrastructure.

Versant Power will hold a virtual session on its Integrated Grid Planning work at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28. This meeting will focus on data we are using to model scenarios for identification of potential future grid needs.

Community investments supported a broad range of organizations along with specific initiatives to address energy affordability, basic needs, and programs selected by employees.

Versant Power completed a variety of projects throughout northern and eastern Maine last year as part of an ongoing effort to improve system reliability.

Versant Power will provide updates on its integrated grid planning and climate vulnerability study through a series of community meetings throughout Penobscot County this month. Customers are encouraged to attend to learn about how the company is planning for future grid needs, climate resilience, and other topics of interest.

Most residential customers will see an overall increase in their bills effective January 1. A standard offer supply rate increase will take effect in the Bangor Hydro and Maine Public Districts. The Bangor Hydro District will also see an increase in the transmission rate on their bills.

The new Tremont substation feeds power to two local circuits, one feeding Bass Harbor and the other feeding the Tremont area, including Swans Island and Frenchboro. Upgrades to equipment along both lines connected to the substation will improve service to over 2,000 Versant Power customers.