Maine electricity rates exceed national average by 64%

Maine electricity rates are significantly higher than the national average, though they do not reach double the cost. According to preliminary U.S. Energy Information Administration data from January through May 2026, Maine residential customers paid an average of 29.68 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is approximately 64% higher than the national average of 18.11 cents.

Maine ranks fifth among U.S. states for residential electricity prices, following Hawaii, California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. When considering all sectors—including commercial, industrial, and transportation—Maine averaged 24.88 cents per kilowatt-hour, roughly 77% above the national average of 14.07 cents.

These high costs in Maine and the broader New England region are partly attributed to a heavy reliance on natural gas. ISO New England has noted that pipeline constraints during cold weather can limit fuel availability for power plants, subsequently driving up wholesale electricity prices.