Helpful CMP tools to manage winter usage
AUGUSTA – As freezing temperatures persist in Maine, Central Maine Power is working to raise awareness around tools and programs available to help customers manage their bills. Heat pumps and other electric heating sources can result in higher electricity usage, especially during cold-weather months. This means longer nights might require more light use and colder temperatures may require heating systems to use more energy to maintain temperatures. There are convenient ways for customers to monitor how much energy they use so they can take steps to manage costs.
“Winter in Maine is never easy, and we want our customers to know that there are tools and resources available to them to help them manage costs, especially during cold winter months,” said Linda Ball, vice president of customer service for CMP. “These tools and programs are some of the best and quickest ways CMP customers can make an impact on their usage and save on energy costs right away – and they’re free.”
Digital tools include:
Signing up for Usage Alerts – Through your online account, you can sign up for alerts via text, phone or email. These can update you with your weekly usage and your estimated cost. You can also set a usage target for yourself and receive an alert if you exceed your target.
Energy Manager – This tool can show you your daily energy usage online and can give you a breakdown of your usage by category, like heating, lighting, and cooking. You can also compare your usage to households like yours so you can understand how you’re using energy and make informed energy decisions.
If customers are struggling to pay their bills, assistance programs are available:
Electricity Lifeline Program — The ELP Program offers qualified customers a credit of up to $1200 annually on their electric bill. The amount of your ELP credit is based on household income and estimated electricity usage. Customers can view CMP’s ELP fact sheet for more information.
Home Energy Assistance Program — HEAP provides federal grant money to qualified customers to help pay their heating costs and may also assist with weatherization needs. Customers can visit mainehousing.org for financial guidelines.
Home Weatherization through Efficiency Maine Trust – Efficiency Maine Trust has programs for customers who qualify that offer incentives and energy audits for those seeking better air sealing and other energy efficiency improvements in their homes. Customers can visit the EMT website for more information.
For a full list of assistance programs, visit Help with Your Bill.
For any customers with questions about their electricity use, assistance programs or CMP’s helpful digital tools, the best way to have these questions answered is by talking with our customer service representatives. Call 800-750-4000 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, or visit our website or mobile app.
In addition, if you or someone you know needs utility or heating assistance, call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211. Customers can also visit 211maine.org for information about services available throughout the state. 2-1-1 is Maine’s 24/7 health and human services information and referral system.