Emera Maine takes action on COVID-19 response

Emera Maine is continuing to monitor COVID-19 response in order to make timely decisions that prioritize the health and safety of its employees and the public. As providers of an essential utility, it is critical that Emera Maine supports the delivery of electric service while it meets the needs of its employees.

The company understands that steps taken to deter the spread of COVID-19 may create financial or logistical barriers for its customers. Among other measures, Emera Maine will work to address these concerns by:

• Halting disconnection of service to residential and business customers for non-payment;
  
• Ceasing the application of late fees to overdue accounts; and,
• Continuing to set up realistic payment plans with customers to ensure electricity bills are manageable.

 
Emera Maine always works with customers who have a health concern or loss of income. Any customer who has a question or a concern about their bill is encouraged to call the Customer Contact Center at 1-855-363-7211 or (207) 973-2000. In addition to setting up payment plans, Emera Maine can help customers determine if they are eligible for low-income assistance or a debt forgiveness program and make referrals to other services.
      
Customers also are reminded that they can make a payment at any time over the phone or online at emeramaine.com.
      
Like other businesses, Emera Maine is following the recommendations of health officials, setting protocols, and directing employees to stay home if they are sick. The company is focused on helping employees stay healthy so they can continue serving customers. They are also working with contractors and service providers to ensure they take precautions that are equal to or greater than Emera Maine protocols.

In addition, Emera Maine will support United Way of Aroostook and United Way of Eastern Maine in efforts to provide resources to friends and neighbors. Anyone seeking assistance is urged to call 211 for options.
 
Sidebar: State regulators approve sale of Emera Maine 
State regulators approved the sale of the dominant electric utility in eastern and northern Maine to a Canadian company on Tuesday, March 17, following a negotiated settlement that is expected to save customers over $30 million. The Maine Public Utilities Commission approved the acquisition of Emera Maine by the Canadian utility company Enmax Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the city of Calgary, Alberta. The regulatory approval comes after a settlement was reached among Enmax, Emera Maine, the Maine Office of Public Advocate, and other parties. The $1.3 billion acquisition is expected to close within the next week. The settlement includes rate credits for customers totaling $8.1 million and a freeze on distribution rate increases until October 2021, which is expected to save customers up to $30 million. Also included is an additional $5 million in electric rate relief targeted to customers who are eligible for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Enmax also agreed to upgrade grid reliability and customer service as part of the deal.
 
Emera Maine is committed to delivering safe, reliable electric service. As the state's second-largest electric utility, the company delivers electricity to more than 159,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across 10,400 square miles in five counties in eastern and northern Maine. Follow us on Twitter (@emerame) or on Instagram (emeramaine).