Electric bills expected to reach 12-year high this summer

PORTLAND (WGME) — It may still be early in the season to turn on your air conditioner, but a new analysis is warning that when you do turn on the AC, you might feel the heat in your wallet.

The National Energy Assistance Directors Association’s analysis says electric bills are expected to reach a 12-year high this summer. In New England, costs are projected to be among the highest in the country, with the average bill rising 20 percent compared to last year.

“The grid is just so complex,” Central Maine Power Spokesperson Cristina Wittman said. “It really has to prepare for the usage that increases during the summer and also the usage that increases during the winter.”

According to NEADA, the average New England electric bill from June through September was $767 in 2024. That number is expected to rise to $922 this year.

The analysis cites two main factors: a surge in electricity prices outpacing inflation and forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting a hotter-than-average summer.

“We like to empower our customers on what they can do now and how they can manage their energy use,” Wittman said.

To cut back on costs, experts recommend a few things, including:

• Keeping curtains and blinds closed to reduce heat
• Using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to remove heat and humidity while cooking or showering
• Delaying use of heat-producing appliances such as ovens and dishwashers until evening hours when temperatures are cooler.

Another option is to invest in a more energy-efficient air conditioning system.

Efficiency Maine says that heat pumps can use up to 50 percent less electricity than traditional air conditioning units.

“A heat pump can air condition or dehumidify, and people usually buy them because they’re a very efficient way to heat,” Efficiency Maine Program Manager Andy Meyer said in a 2018 interview.

For those struggling to pay their electric bills, Central Maine Power encourages customers to reach out. Assistance programs, such as the Electrify Lifeline Program, may offer qualifying households up to $1,200 in relief.