When Will I Start Saving on My Electricity Bills?

Updated March 31, 2026

Community solar can be confusing. Our goal is to make it simple. Check out answers to common questions below and learn when you'll start saving on your electricity bills. 

Will I start saving on my electricity bills instantly?

No. When you sign up to join the cooperative, you will not see any immediate changes on your Central Maine Power (CMP) electricity bill. 

When will I start saving?

You will start saving on your electricity bills after your utility account is assigned to a solar project. 

Here's what happens behind the scenes:

1. Sign up
   Become a member of the cooperative and connect your utility account.  This step lets our team review your electricity usage and begin the process of matching you to a solar project.
   
   
2. Get assigned to a solar project
   When a spot opens up, we’ll assign your account to one of our solar projects. You will be notified at least two months before any changes to your account. 
   
   Until you’re assigned to a project, no changes will take effect on your utility account. Continue paying your Central Maine Power bill as usual until your assignment is confirmed.
   
   
3. We generate electricity
   Electricity generated by our projects is applied to your electricity bill as credits. You will never receive more credits than you need.
   
   
4. You save
   We send a bill that includes discounts on your total electricity costs. Your bill will never be more what it would be without solar.

Learn more: How it Works | How it Works for Low- to Moderate-Income Households

When will I get assigned to a solar project? 

In keeping with our mission to reduce electricity costs for all Mainers, low to moderate-income households get assigned to solar projects first. 

Low to moderate-income members will be assigned to projects right away and can start saving on their electricity bills about 2-3 months after signing up to join the cooperative.

All other current members will be assigned to projects beginning in the second half of 2026. 

Members joining after March 2026 (who do not qualify as low- to moderate-income) will be in the queue for assignment to projects expected to begin delivering savings in 2027.

When should I cancel my current community solar subscription? 

Low to moderate-income members should cancel their current community solar subscription when joining MCPC. This will ensure we can assign you to one of our solar projects right away! 

Other members should wait to cancel their current community solar subscriptions until we have capacity in one of our solar projects. Check out this article to learn more about switching your community solar subscription.

When are MCPC's solar projects going to be operational? 

Check out an update on our solar project development below:

Questions? We're here to help. Contact us by emailing support@mainecommunitypower.com.