MAINE MORNING STAR • August 8, 2025
House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham (R-Winter Harbor), said, “The reason Maine ranks so high in electricity rates is because of bad policies” that encourage sustainable energy. However, the actual dollar amount ratepayers end up shelling out each month is influenced by a multitude of factors. While the global markets that dictate prices of natural gas and other energy sources are beyond the reach of state senators and representatives, there are some ways that energy costs can be addressed from Augusta. In June, Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation to reform net energy billing and rein in future costs. The new law is projected to save Maine electricity customers more than $1.2 billion over the next 16 years. Electricity prices in New England could have been 11% lower last winter if contracted offshore wind projects had been operational. That would have translated to about $400 million in savings. However, the Trump administration took action early on to pause the development of offshore wind projects.