Utility Wins in 2024!

To stay informed on AARP advocacy work, sign up for our text list by texting the word “JOIN” to the number 22777 or click here.

AARP is fighting to save you money on your utility bills.

Electricity rates are an essential pocketbook issue for Maine residents 50-plus and their families, many of whom struggle to pay their utility bills along with other household expenses like food and medicine. This legislative session, AARP Maine's volunteer advocates and staff have been hard at work engaging legislators on initiatives to support fair and affordable utility rates. Here are two bills that AARP Maine worked on in these efforts.

LD 1962

AARP Maine supported the passage of a new law that would adopt new rules regarding utility shut-offs and offer stronger protection for vulnerable Mainers.

• Prohibit the termination or disconnection of utility service for unpaid utility bills during extreme weather or temperature conditions, including extreme heat or humidity, between April 16th and November 14th.
  
• Prohibit the utility from charging restoration or reconnection fees or late fees or requiring a security deposit in connection with the restoration of service if the customer is a low-income customer.

LD 2172

AARP Maine worked to help defeat this bill which would have paved the way for an overhaul of the way electric rates are set in Maine and would likely have resulted in higher costs for electric customers. The proposed bill would have provided financial incentives to electric utilities for simply doing their jobs, among other things.

We need your help to keep utility rates fair! Start by signing up to receive text and/or email updates from us on the latest news, including:

• Changes to your electric rates.
• New legislation that will impact your utility bills.
• Ways you can get involved in this important work.

Every voice counts and we want to make sure yours is included.

To stay informed on AARP advocacy work, sign up for our text list by texting the word “JOIN” to the number 22777 or click here.