Central Maine Power and Versant Power encourage customers who are struggling to pay bills to call to enroll in payment plan programs.
Central Maine Power spokesperson Jon Breed said that systems have to work harder in the cold, resulting in higher usage rates.
“That electric bill can go up in the cold temperatures because we’re just using more,” Breed said. “If the heat is escaping your home, it’s going to result in more usage.”
Breed encouraged customers to check with Efficiency Maine for help with weatherization and insulation work on homes to prevent heat from escaping. He also suggested the common tips of turning down the thermostat during the day and limiting the use of space heaters.
Breed said because bills arrive in the following month, many people will see their usage from the January billing period reflected in the February statements.
He urged customers to inform themselves about their electricity usage by …