Joining the Cooperative
Any residential or small business (SGS) customers of Central Maine Power (CMP) is eligible to join the cooperative. Versant Power customers are encouraged to pre-register.
Check second page of your Central Maine Power bill, under Delivery Charges. If you see "Delivery Charges: SGS . . ." your business can sign up.
Yes. You can enroll several utility accounts under one membership.
If you have a utility account for your home, your camp, and your small business, for example, you can subscribe all three accounts under one MCPC membership. After you sign up we'll help you set up your account.
Yes. Many homes have solar panels that cover most but not all of their annual energy requirements. You can participate in our community solar program and we’ll cover the rest of your energy needs.
Yes, you can sign up to become a member today. You do not need to cancel your other subscription to sign up.
You will need to cancel your other community solar subscription before you receive kWh credits from our projects. Our team will help you coordinate canceling your existing community solar subscription at the right time. Now is a good time to review your community solar subscription contract terms - some providers require a 3 or 6 month notice of cancellation.
A membership share represents your ownership stake in the cooperative.
It is a one-time payment that grants you full membership rights, including access to cooperative services, participation in events, and voting privileges.
Your membership share is fully refundable if you choose to leave the cooperative.
If you move within our service area, your new account will be added to your membership. If you move outside our service area, your membership will be canceled and your membership deposit will be refunded.
Membership Benefits
Since the cooperative owns the solar projects, we have control over the rates charged to our members. The board of directors reviews and approves rates on an annual basis. Rates may be adjusted to account for the cost of operating the cooperative, but you will not be exposed to energy price volatility as experienced in the open market.
Yes. Members get to vote on decisions regarding how the cooperative is run. Members are also eligible to run for a seat on the Board of Directors at the annual meeting. Our cooperative works to serve its members.
Our Discount Model
Maine is one of the most energy-burdened states in the country, meaning residents spend a disproportionately high share of their income on energy costs. We offer a sliding scale discount to mitigate the excessive energy burden on populations experiencing lower incomes.
We offer three options:
10% discount: For small businesses or residential customers who want to support the sliding-scale discount model.
- : Standard residential membership.
- 20% discount: Income-eligible membership. (Households must earn less than 80% of area median income or meet other criteria, subject to verification)
Unlike other providers who only discount the usage portion of your bill, we apply discounts to both energy usage and the base fee, including CMP's fixed delivery charge. This means greater relief and protection against further increases in CMP’s base charge, which is currently $27.37/month and has more than doubled in the last two years.
20% Discount Eligibility
Households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or under 200% of the federal poverty line qualify for a 20% discount.
You can verify your eligibility using one of the options below:
✅ Preferred Option: Efficiency Maine Energy Rebate Eligibility Letter
If your household enrolled in the Efficiency Maine energy rebate program in the past 12 months and received a low-income verification letter, you qualify.
Not enrolled yet? 🔗 Apply here – it’s fast and gets you access to additional benefits like energy upgrade rebates and EV incentives. Eligible applicants will usually receive eligibility verification within 5 business days.
You may be eligible if anyone in your household participates in:
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- MaineCare
- Manufactured (Mobile) Home Initiative
📧 Email your Efficiency Maine letter to: verification@mainecommunitypower.com.
Please note:
- The name on the eligibility letter must match the primary or secondary contact on your MCPC account
- The letter must confirm your low-income eligibility
- It must be dated within the past 12 months
- Do not send financial, tax, or employment documents
📄 Other Approved Programs
If someone in your household participates in another Federal, State, or Tribal program with similar income limits, we can help you verify your eligibility.
Reach out anytime — we’re here to help:Have questions about qualifying for a 20% discount? Email verification@mainecommunitypower.com
Community Solar
A recent study prepared for the Maine Public Utilities Commission found that net energy billing (which includes community solar projects) resulted in net savings of more than $30 million in 2023. Read the full report here.
No. This is a common myth perpetuated by anti-solar activists. Columbia Law School recently released a report debunking common myths about solar, wind, and electric vehicles. Read the report here
You can learn more about community solar by checking out the Maine Office of the Public Advocate website.