Maine PUC approves funding increase for Low-Income Assistance Program

The Maine Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday signed off on a one-time increase to its Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP).

It also approved an increase in the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) eligibility threshold for Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) means-tested programs from 75 percent to 150 percent. This will extend assistance to potentially 46,000 additional state residents.

The program is currently available to Maine electric utility customers who qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or who qualify for DHHS means-tested programs at 75 percent of the FPL.

The LIAP helps qualified low-income electricity consumers pay for electricity costs. Eligibility can be determined by local Community Action Agencies or through means-testing for DHHS programs. Those who qualify will receive a credit on their electric bill based on income and electricity usage.

“Not only does this increase the number of customers eligible to receive assistance, but it will also increase the average customer benefit,” Commission Chair Philip Bartlett II said. “Our staff estimates that the average benefit could increase by up to 31 percent, which means real relief for Mainers who are struggling the most.

In March 2023, the commission set funding for LIAP at $15 million for the 2023-2024 program year and updated the apportionment and assessment amounts for each T&D utility. During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers provided one-time funding for the program from the unappropriated surplus of the General Fund to help low-income homeowners and renters pay for electricity costs.

In July 2023, the commission launched an inquiry to seek public comment on how to allocate the funding. The result was an increase in funding for the program from $15 million to $22.5 million for the 2023-2024 program year.

Those currently participating in an eligible DHHS program will receive a notice regarding their LIAP eligibility. Those who wish to apply for LIAP should contact their local Community Action Program.