Maine expects expanded automatic enrollment in electric-bill assistance to begin showing up on or soon after November bills, according to the governor's office.
The state's SupportLink process matches eligible recipients of food, cash and health assistance with participating utilities unless the household opts out. An Oct. 1 announcement describes the change to the Low Income Assistance Program, or LIAP.
Eligibility generally covers households at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines or eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program. Households already receiving that heating assistance are enrolled through MaineHousing.
Discounts vary by income and utility. The state lists monthly reductions of 25% to 81% at Central Maine Power and 17% to 83% at Versant. Smaller consumer-owned utilities continue to provide lump-sum credits.
Automatic matching will not reach everyone. Eligible households outside the participating benefit systems can apply through their local community action agency. Returning applicants who previously used that route must apply again.
The state says this year's assistance funding totals $40.5 million. The projected November timing is not a promise that every eligible customer will receive a credit on the same billing date.