Maine Publishes Independent Report on Factors Driving Electricity Prices

In February 2026, the Maine Department of Energy Resources released a new report, Factors Driving Electricity Prices in Maine. The Maine Department of Energy Resources commissioned the independent study by the Brattle Group to better understand the drivers of electricity price fluctuation in Maine and steps to reduce future vulnerabilities.

The study concludes that swings in natural gas prices have been the most dominant factor behind recent increases in electricity rates in Maine. Other contributors include costs associated with severe weather, aging energy infrastructure, and broader inflationary pressures. The report suggests several strategies to limit long-term costs and exposure to price volatility, including diversifying the supply of homegrown energy resources and expanding energy efficiency and flexible electricity use.