MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Sanborn, 207-624-3687, Heather.Sanborn@maine.gov
December 16, 2025|HALLOWELL – Maine’s Public Advocate, Heather Sanborn, released the following statement praising today’s decision by the Maine Public Utilities Commission to significantly improve Maine’s Low-Income Assistance Program:
“Maine’s Office of the Public Advocate applauds the Commission’s decision to modernize and expand Maine’s Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP). These changes directly reflect long-sought priorities of the OPA and will make electricity more affordable for thousands of Maine families. By increasing funding, avoiding the imposition of usage caps, and moving to automatic enrollment with predictable monthly bill discounts, Maine is finally building an assistance program that meets the real needs of low-income ratepayers.
"We thank the Commission for listening to the concerns we have raised about affordability and accessibility. The redesigned LIAP will provide critical, stable support to struggling households and will help ensure that no Mainer has to choose between keeping the lights on and meeting other essential needs."