Solar in Maine
Understanding whether solar is a smart energy choice can seem daunting to many homeowners. Get simple, actionable information to help you feel confident finding the best renewable energy solution for your home.
View the facts, courtesy of LetsGoSolar.com »
Avoid Winter Disconnects: Your Rights
From time to time you may find yourself, especially during our long and cold winter months, unable to pay your electric bill. We at Madison Electric want to do all we can to prevent having to disconnect your electric service...but we need your help.
If you are unable to pay your electric bill this winter between November 15th and April 1st you can avoid losing your service. Here is what we need you to do to assist us in helping you.
- You must contact us.You must let us know that you cannot pay your bill. We cannot help you if you do not let us know that you cannot pay. You may be entitled to financial assistance from State or local government agencies or other private sources in order to help you pay your utility bills. To find out more about available financial assistance, we recommend that you call 211. We cannot obtain that assistance for you, but we may be able to help you with an energy audit, or other measures to reduce your high electric bill. Call us at (207) 696-4401 or call KVCAP at (207) 474-8487.
- You have the right to enter into a Payment Arrangement. We will offer you several payment options to pay your winter electric bills in monthly payments that you can reasonably afford. In any case, you must pay all that you owe us by the following November 1.
- Medical Emergency. Your service cannot be disconnected during a medical emergency. Please inform us if such an emergency exists. A certification may be renewed ONLY TWICE for a total of three certifications during any 12-month period.
- Oxygen Pump/Ventilator Assistance Program. If you qualify for HEAP and you use an Oxygen Pump/Ventilator for more than 8 hours a day you are eligible under this program established by the Maine Public Utilities Commission. To learn more you may contact us at (207) 696-4401 or call KVCAP at (207) 474-8487.
- Low Income Assistance Program. You may be eligible to participate in our Low Income Assistance Program. This program provides financial assistance to eligible customers to help pay your electric bills. To learn more about UAP, you can either contact us at (207) 696-4401 or call KVCAP at (207) 474-8487.
- Disconnection. Disconnection may only take place with the approval of the Public Utilities Commission Consumer Assistance Division.
- Failure to contact Madison Electric Works. Failure to contact this utility, after receiving a disconnect notice, will result in a request to the Public Utilities Commission for permission to disconnect your service.
If you have any questions, please call us at (207) 696-4401, or stop and talk with us. If we cannot reach an agreeable solution, you may call the Public Utilities Commission's Consumer Assistance Division toll-free at 1-800-452-4699.
Before your electric bill gets out of hand, take the first step, come talk with us. We may be able to help you.