Maine Residents Face Unexpected Financial Losses in Community Solar Subscriptions
In the picturesque state of Maine, utility customers are increasingly turning to community solar projects as a means to support sustainable energy solutions while also hoping to cut costs on their electricity bills. However, as recent investigations reveal, not all solar subscription offers are created equal; some may even lead to unexpected financial pitfalls.
The Allure of Community Solar: A Tale of Good Intentions
When Lisa Cloutier and her wife, Jennifer Fudge-Cloutier, encountered a salesperson from Arcadia promoting a solar subscription at their doorstep, they felt they were making a positive environmental impact. "We thought we were going to help the planet," Lisa recalled. However, they quickly discovered that their good intentions would come with a hefty price tag.
Within months of subscribing in late 2023, their electricity bills began to rise dramatically—far beyond what they expected for their modest single-family apartment. By January 2025, the couple was staring at a staggering $600 bill. As Jennifer succinctly put it, "They make it look good on the pamphlet… and it’s really not."
Understanding the Community Solar Billing System
If you’re considering a solar subscription, it’s essential to understand how billing works. Residents remain dependent on Central Maine Power (CMP) for electricity delivery (or Versant for those in Northern Maine), resulting in two distinct bills: one from CMP and another from the solar provider. The key confusion arises because the solar bill is not tied to personal electricity usage; instead, it’s determined by the energy output of the solar farm and the percentage of the project you are subscribed to.
This system can lead to oversubscription, meaning consumers like Lisa and Jennifer end up paying for more solar credits than they can actually use. According to an analysis by 8 Investigates, the couple paid an average of more than triple their expected costs due to misaligned subscription sizes. After realizing they had amassed 7,232 unused credits, they faced the grim reality that these credits expire after one year—a loss of both energy and funds.
The Financial Fallout: A Statewide Concern
A startling finding from the Maine Public Utility Commission showed that in 2023, CMP customers lost approximately $2.28 million in expired credits due to community solar subscriptions, with residential customers disproportionately affected—
73% of the losses fell on this group. Lisa and Jennifer alone contributed to a local loss of $1.67 million in a single year.
Jennifer voiced a common sentiment among subscribers: "If they’re going to be allowed to come into this state and offer these things, then there should be someone to look into them."
Seeking Accountability: Arcadia’s Response
Arcadia, now merged with Boston-based Perch Energy, asserted their commitment to resolving consumer issues. Joel Gamoran, the vice president, stated, "Arcadia always intends to align subscribers with the appropriate subscription size… and we take our customers’ concerns seriously whenever we hear of any misalignment." The company has since worked quickly to address and remedy such issues, assisting several customers in Maine.
Fortunately for the Cloutiers, the Maine Office of Public Advocate stepped in, helping them save nearly $1,000 after they canceled their subscription.
What You Can Do: Tips for Solar Subscribers
If you’re a Maine resident considering a solar subscription, it’s vital to take proactive steps to ensure you’re not overpaying:
Check Your CMP Bill
On the second or third page of your CMP bill, look for notes on unused credits. If you suspect you’re being oversubscribed, contact your solar provider to discuss reducing your subscription.
Reach Out for Help
If issues arise, don’t hesitate to contact the Maine Office of Public Advocate, where consumer advocacy staff can assist with common consumer complaints, 38% of which have recently pertained to solar agreements.
Read the Fine Print
Before signing up, examine the contract closely. Many contracts permit solar providers to increase your subscription without notifying you, possibly leading to unforeseen charges.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Solar Enthusiasts
Opting for a community solar subscription in Maine can be a great way to support renewable energy, but buyer beware! Thoughtful consideration and thorough research can safeguard your wallet and help you make the most of sustainable energy options. Are you already enrolled? It might be worth double-checking those bills before you sink further into the solar rabbit hole!
