Company Begins Mailing First Round of Refunds to 20,000 Customers
MEDIA CONTACT: William Harwood, 207-624-3687, William.Harwood@maine.gov
December 9, 2024 | HALLOWELL, ME - Approximately 20,000 former and current Electricity Maine customers will soon receive refunds, the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) announced today.
The refunds are part of a settlement among the OPA, the Staff of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and Electricity Maine. The refunds will cover up to three months of unlawful charges.
“Electricity Maine customers were overcharged by millions of dollars compared with what they would have paid had they simply paid the Standard Offer price for electricity,” said Public Advocate William Harwood. “Customers should keep an eye out for mail from Electricity Maine containing refunds for those charges.”
Customers will receive refunds via debit cards, which will need to be activated upon receipt. Depending on how many months’ worth of refunds a customer is entitled to, they may receive a second refund, which will be mailed approximately 190 days after the first refund. The amount of the refund is based on the amount of time customers were charged a variable rate without their consent, and the amount the customer paid above the Standard Offer at the time.
In 2000, the Maine Legislature restructured the state’s electric industry by taking power companies out of the generating business, allowing them only to deliver electricity. For the supply of electricity, consumers can choose either the Standard Offer rate, which is set annually by the PUC, or consumers may choose a Competitive Electricity Provider (CEP) such as Electricity Maine, whose rates are not subject to PUC review or approval.
Maine ratepayers can choose to switch back from a CEP to the Standard Offer Provider at any time without a penalty by contacting their utility.
The OPA released a Frequently Asked Questions guide at www.maine.gov/meopa regarding the refund process, and customers can call 207-624-3687 with any questions or concerns.