CMP vs Versant: Which Maine Utility Is Better for Solar?

Versant electricity costs $0.32/kWh compared to CMP at $0.27/kWh. Since NEB credits are valued at the full retail rate (1:1), each kWh of solar production offsets $0.32 in Versant territory vs $0.27 in CMP territory. The higher offset value means faster payback: 12-14 years for Versant vs 15-17 years for CMP on a cash purchase.

Yes. Maine law requires both CMP and Versant to provide 1:1 NEB credits for residential rooftop solar. Your exported solar electricity is credited at the full retail rate. LD 1777 changed the credit structure for community solar projects but did not affect rooftop solar NEB.

No. Your utility is determined by your geographic location. CMP serves southern and central Maine (including Portland, Lewiston, and Augusta), while Versant serves northern and eastern Maine (including Bangor, Presque Isle, and Bar Harbor). However, you can choose your electricity supplier (competitive supply) through Maine's deregulated market.

Both utilities have two main components: supply (the cost of generating electricity) and delivery (the cost of maintaining the grid and delivering power to your home). CMP charges approximately $0.11/kWh for supply and $0.16/kWh for delivery. Versant charges approximately $0.14/kWh for supply and $0.18/kWh for delivery.

Maine electricity rates have increased 4-6% per year over the past five years, and the trend is expected to continue due to grid infrastructure costs, transmission upgrades, and increasing wholesale energy prices. Rising rates make solar more valuable over time because each kWh of NEB credit becomes worth more.

Solar is a strong investment in both territories, but Versant customers see faster payback (12-14 years vs 15-17 years) because the higher rate means each kWh of solar production saves more money. Versant rates have also been rising faster historically, which accelerates the return on investment over time.

Yes. If your solar system produces more electricity than you use in a given month, the excess NEB credits roll forward to offset future bills. This is especially valuable in Maine where summer production exceeds summer usage, building up credits that offset higher winter bills when production is lower.