Seeking lower prices, Maine PUC changes electric purchase process

MAINE PUBLIC • July 27, 2026

The Maine Public Utilities Commission is changing the way it procures electricity for Maine's largest electric utilities in an effort to hedge against price spikes in volatile energy markets. For years, the commission has taken one day late in the year to select an electricity supplier to provide annual "standard offer" fixed price power through a competitive bidding process. But this year, commissioners decided to break up the process — buying up to half of the state's projected 2027 electric load this month, and the remainder later this fall.