Versant Power distribution rates to change Nov. 1
Friday, October 29, 2021
Bangor and Presque Isle, Maine — As part of Versant Power’s commitment to continually improve the standard of service provided to customers, the company submitted a proposed electricity distribution investment plan to the Maine Public Utilities Commission in January.
Over the last nine months, we’ve worked to provide the MPUC, customers and stakeholders with transparency around our specific plans for improvement. To meet customers’ needs and deliver on service commitments, Versant Power must continue to improve its systems and invest in the people working to provide safer, more reliable service to northern and eastern Maine. We’ve heard from customers that reliable electrical service matters now more than ever, and we’re working hard to help Maine meet its ambitious climate goals in a cost-effective way.
A 17.5% distribution rate change will take effect on Nov. 1, resulting in a monthly increase of approximately $5.50 for a typical residential customer using 500 kwh of electricity. A Bangor Hydro District customer choosing the standard offer will pay about $91.73 per month. A Maine Public District customer choosing the standard offer will pay about $79.39 per month. This adjustment represents a 6.5 percent to 7.4 percent change on a customer’s total bill.
The distribution rate change will support Versant Power storm response, tree trimming and removal near power lines, investments to continue recent improvements in the reliability of the grid, automation to restore outages more quickly, and systems that allow customers to participate in renewable energy programs.
This change will affect the distribution rate only, one of five components that make up customers’ electric bills. Versant Power’s distribution rates have remained unchanged for more than three years, with the exception of a discount offered from September through December 2020 as a direct benefit of ENMAX’s acquisition of our company.
If you are experiencing financial hardship and have trouble paying your electricity bill, please call us to learn about potential resources. Local Community Action Programs offer applications for assistance programs including the Home Energy Assistance Program, the Low-Income Assistance Program and the Arrearage Management Program. Customers also may be eligible for assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program or Efficiency Maine. To learn more, visit versantpower.com, call our Customer Contact Center at 1-855-363-7211 or 207-973-2000, or email [email protected]. You can also follow us on Twitter (@versantpower), Instagram (versantpower) or LinkedIn.
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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 159,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across 10,400 square miles in five counties in eastern and northern Maine.