Utility Costs in Maine (ME)
The average household in Maine pays $255 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $120/mo for electricity (at 22.0¢/kWh), $90/mo for natural gas, and $45/mo for water. This is $8 (3.24%) above the national average of $247/mo. This ranks Maine #15 out of 51 states (1 = most expensive), with utilities consuming approximately 4.1% of the median household income. High electric rates. Oil and propane heating common, driving winter costs. Growing renewable energy.
Utility Costs by City in Maine
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 3 cities in Maine, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Portland is the most expensive at $265/mo, while Lewiston is the most affordable at $240/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | $125 | $92 | $48 | $265 | $3,180 | +$10 |
| Bangor | $118 | $88 | $42 | $248 | $2,976 | -$7 |
| Lewiston | $115 | $85 | $40 | $240 | $2,880 | -$15 |
How Maine Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Maine with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Maine stands nationally and shows how the cost breakdown (electric vs. gas vs. water) can differ even when totals are similar.
| State | Electric | Rate | Gas | Water | Total/Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine (ME) | $120 | 22.0¢/kWh | $90 | $45 | $255 |
| Georgia (GA) | $145 | 12.8¢/kWh | $65 | $45 | $255 |
| Vermont (VT) | $115 | 20.0¢/kWh | $95 | $45 | $255 |
| Arizona (AZ) | $145 | 13.2¢/kWh | $50 | $55 | $250 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $130 | 14.5¢/kWh | $75 | $55 | $260 |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $130 | 15.5¢/kWh | $80 | $50 | $260 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Maine
Electricity in Maine
The average electricity bill in Maine is $120/month, with a rate of 22.0¢/kWh. This is well above the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh. High rates in Maine are typically driven by fuel costs, transmission infrastructure, and the energy source mix. The total bill of $120/mo is below the national average of $137/mo.
Natural Gas in Maine
Natural gas costs average $90/month in Maine. Higher gas bills typically reflect cold winters requiring significant heating, older housing stock, or dependence on natural gas for cooking and water heating. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Maine
Water and basic sewer service averages $45/month in Maine. This is near the national average for residential water service. The national average water bill is approximately $45/month.
Estimated Utility Costs by Home Size in Maine
The averages above are based on a standard household. Here is how monthly utility costs in Maine typically vary by home type and size. These estimates apply the state's specific electric rates, gas costs, and water charges to different living situations.
| Home Type | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Apartment | $54 | $36 | $23 | $115 | $1,377 |
| 2BR Apartment/Condo | $78 | $50 | $29 | $158 | $1,897 |
| Small House (3BR) | $108 | $77 | $38 | $222 | $2,662 |
| Average House (3-4BR) | $120 | $90 | $45 | $255 | $3,060 |
| Large House (4-5BR) | $156 | $113 | $59 | $326 | $3,917 |
How to Save on Utilities in Maine
Based on Maine's specific cost profile, here are the highest-impact strategies for reducing your utility bills:
Maintain Low Electric Costs
Your state already has below-average electric costs at $120/mo. Maintain this advantage by using a programmable thermostat, switching to LED lighting, and running major appliances during off-peak hours when your utility offers time-of-use rates.
Reduce Heating Costs
Gas bills of $90/mo suggest significant heating costs. Improve insulation (especially attic and basement), seal air leaks around windows and doors, and consider a high-efficiency furnace (95%+ AFUE) or heat pump. Lowering your thermostat by just 2 degrees saves 3-5% on heating costs.
Check for Rebates and Programs
Contact your local utility provider in Maine about energy audit programs (often free), appliance rebates, weatherization assistance, and budget billing to smooth seasonal cost swings. Low-income households may qualify for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and WAP (Weatherization Assistance Program) benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utilities in Maine
What is the average utility bill in Maine?
The average household in Maine pays approximately $255 per month for utilities, or $3,060 per year. This includes $120 for electricity, $90 for natural gas, and $45 for water. This is $8 above the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Maine?
The average residential electricity rate in Maine is 22.0¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $120. This is significantly above the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in Maine has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Portland has the highest average utility costs at $265/month, while Lewiston has the lowest at $240/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Maine?
To reduce your utility costs in Maine, consider: upgrading to energy-efficient appliances (look for ENERGY STAR ratings), improving home insulation and sealing air leaks, using a programmable or smart thermostat, switching to LED lighting, and fixing any water leaks promptly. Given the high electric rates in your state, solar panels may offer significant savings. With high gas costs, improving furnace efficiency and adding insulation can yield substantial savings. Check with your local utility for rebate programs and energy audit services.
Are utility costs in Maine going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Maine, trends depend on local factors including energy source mix, regulatory decisions, and weather patterns. States with high electric rates are investing in renewable energy which may stabilize costs long-term. Contact your local utility provider for rate change notices and budget billing options.
Compare Utility Costs Across States
Use our utility cost lookup tool to compare Maine with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Maine stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.