Bangor and Presque Isle, ME- 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.
Since the program’s implementation, Versant matched all donations up to $200,000, plus an additional $60,000 seed fund. Power Match was administered through community action programs in Versant Power’s service area. These programs included the Aroostook County Action Program, Penquis and Downeast Community Partners. 
“Many customers within Versant Power’s service area do not qualify for low-income assistance based on income eligibility guidelines but still need help with utility bills,” said John Flynn, Versant Power’s president. “Power Match aimed to reduce this gap by providing bill credits to these 'ALICE' households who exceed income eligibility guidelines but still require assistance.”
In 2023, 11% of Maine households were financially insecure as measured by the Federal Poverty Level. Yet this measure fails to account for an additional 29% of households that were also experiencing financial hardship. As documented by our partners at the United Way, ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. This designation recognizes the growing number of individuals and families across Maine and the nation who are working but unable to afford basic household necessities in the county where they live. The total Power Match fund amount of $200,000 was distributed amongst ACAP, Penquis and DCP based on donations received through their individual donation portals. The three programs determined who received a bill credit under eligibility guidelines they established and shared those details with Versant Power, which credited customers’ bills with an amount determined by the community action program. Versant Power is working to refine and update Power Match and seeks feedback from community members on ways we can help households with limited income stay warm and safe, especially during the winter months. If you want to participate, please send your comments to giving@versantpower.com with “Power Match feedback” in the subject line. Versant Power is committed to delivering safe, reliable electric service. As the state's second-largest electric utility, the company delivers electricity to more than 165,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across 10,400 square miles in northern and eastern Maine. | 
