*This piece was originally published in [Bangor Daily News](https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/05/01/opinion/opinion-contributor/maines-energy-future-improved-net-energy-billing-joam40zk0w/).*

Starting in April, Versant customers, including me, experienced a [23 percent increase](https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/03/11/business/business-energy/maine-versant-power-distribution-rate-increase-public-utilities-commission/) in their electricity distribution rate. Maine residential electricity rates were already the [sixth highest in the U.S. in January](https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/epm_table_grapher.php?t=epmt_5_6_a).

With all due respect to the hardworking people of Versant, this increase is pushing the envelope. I’m someone who grew up in Maine and remembers the old days when Bangor Hydro provided plenty of cheap power. When I pay my Versant invoice these days, I wonder how we got here.

Here’s what happened. Twenty years of deregulation with not a power plant built, and significantly more dependence on imported power and fossil fuels. Fortunately, legislators with great foresight enabled Maine to hedge its bets in 2019 with the [expansion of net energy billing](https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/regulated-utilities/electricity/neb) (NEB), a mechanism to expand the development of electricity generation in the state.

I am an active participant in Maine community solar, and I founded a company that believes strongly that community solar is a vital cost-saving option in today’s expensive electricity landscape. Community solar is available to just about anyone who owes Versant or Central Maine Power (CMP) a monthly payment, and it’s already a vital source of power for Maine’s grid. These solar farms are [providing power](https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/12/19/mainefocus/mainefocus-environment/5-new-community-solar-farms-maine/) to local communities all over the state.

It’s about more than that, though. Private capital has [invested](https://www.pv-tech.org/financing-round-up-us-community-solar-attracts-billions-in-private-equity-funding/) hundreds of millions of dollars into these energy generators. Those dollars have been meaningful to Maine’s economy, paying the salaries of a broad array of Mainers across the entire state, from engineers and construction workers to lawyers, marketing firms, call centers, and Mainers on our staff.

Unfortunately, there have been numerous [attempts to repeal](https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/politics/maine-politics/maine-multiple-energy-proposals/97-bccddafb-dcf1-47b1-8861-0257b91e2fc6) the net energy billing program in Maine. Now, it appears likely that significant, if not fatal, [limitations](https://themainemonitor.org/energy-bills-132nd-legislature/) would be imposed unless supporters pick up the phone. The NEB program has been [accused of](https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/02/24/net-metering-under-fire-in-maine/) costing too much, not providing sufficient benefit, and forcing non-participants to [shoulder the costs](https://mainemorningstar.com/2024/07/01/the-cost-of-solar-rate-increases-political-feuds-and-the-long-term-outlook/) of the program. In reality, it has helped result in [over a gigawatt](https://www.maine.gov/energy/initiatives/renewable-energy/solar-distributed-generation) of clean, locally distributed generation that has provided [millions of dollars](https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/02/24/net-metering-under-fire-in-maine/#:~:text=reportedly%20saving%20Maine%20subscribers%20more%20than%20$5%20million%20in%20utility%20charges%20since%20the%20beginning%20of%20the%20net%20energy%20billing%20program) in bill savings for those who do participate.

Maine has [nationally high electricity rates](https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=ME), mostly due to [out-ofstate generation](https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=ME#:~:text=Because%20Maine%20does%20not%20generate,from%20other%20states%20and%20Canada.) — not because of Maine’s renewable energy initiatives. Maine’s position only reinforces the need for alternative energy sources like solar, small hydro, batteries, fuel cells, and wind, all of which can be installed in-state and don’t rely on fuels with volatile prices. 

Handicapping the net energy billing program now would drastically reduce these options at a time when they are needed the most. One must mention that reneging on promises made to incentivize development risks positioning Maine as anti-business and not a reliable investment partner.

Our company, with a growing Maine staff, was founded in Bar Harbor. We now operate in a dozen states across the country. We see a consistent battle between older sources of electricity and renewables, with the same old tired arguments. But one thing is clear: Community distributed renewable energy is the future, wherever you look. It’s ubiquitous, inexpensive, reliable, clean and in demand. It’s also easier to build than [large and risky utility-scale projects](https://us.hep.global/solar-parks-in-the-usa-from-local-community-projects-to-large-scale-grid-operated-plants/#:~:text=Community%20solar,%20on,the%20federal%20programs.). If you want electricity generation built in your state, it’s imperative that you have a community energy program.

For all of these reasons, we not only strongly oppose [legislation](https://natlawreview.com/article/april-updates-maines-net-energy-billing-program) that hampers the development of these critical in-state power generators, but we also encourage the expansion of the net energy billing program, albeit with some improvements. For example, we believe the Maine Public Utilities Commission should dispel the notion that our reliable utilities have the time or intent to run a program like community solar in a way that is sufficient for Maine’s needs.

We believe the PUC should take a more active role in regulating the companies that assign subscribers a larger share of the solar farm than needed. This harmful practice, often referred to as over-allocation, results in the subscriber paying for more solar credits than they use in electricity. Other states put regulations on the solar subscription size, and it’s time that Maine did, too.

Utilities like Versant and CMP could help improve the subscriber experience by making small but meaningful changes, like streamlining the billing process, improving access to usage data, and ensuring accurate crediting on monthly bills. These kinds of incremental improvements carry far less risk and provide more immediate benefit to consumers than sweeping changes to the program’s structure.

Maine cannot afford to limit its options, nor is it a good idea to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The entire world is installing solar, batteries, and other forms of distributed energy generation, and we cannot afford to fall behind. Maine needs the net energy billing program now more than ever.

Opinion: Community Solar in Maine Should Be Improved, Not Eliminated

You probably know that solar energy is much better for the environment than fossil fuels. But when it comes to Community Solar, you might be wondering specifically how it benefits the planet and the ways your subscription actually helps. Let's dive into how Community Solar makes a difference and how your participation, no matter how small, plays a part in the clean energy movement. 

## 1. Reducing Carbon Emissions
When Community Solar projects “go live”, or start producing energy, they add more clean electricity to the grid. Community Solar projects help diversify the energy sources in the electricity grid and help to phase out dirty fossil fuel plants. Traditional electricity generation like coal and gas often rely on burning fossil fuels, which release a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to harmful pollution. Subscribing to  Community Solar enables you to support the generation of clean, renewable energy that does not pollute the air you breathe.

Did you know that you can track the carbon emissions you’re avoiding through your solar subscription? To see the environmental impact of your solar share, log onto your [Ampion dashboard](https://portal.ampion.net/) and see “Carbon Offset Equivalency.” Every kilowatt-hour of solar energy produced by your share of the solar farm helps decrease reliance on fossil fuels, moving us closer to a sustainable future.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1745281530-screenshot-2025-04-18-at-4-39-26-pm-edited.png)

## 2. Preserving Natural Resources
Community Solar also plays a crucial role in preserving natural resources. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and involve environmentally-damaging mining processes, solar energy is abundant and renewable. By supporting solar power, you are helping to reduce the need for mining and drilling. These activities can lead to habitat destruction, water pollution, and other ecological impacts.

Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity without any harmful emissions or waste products. This means that the energy you use is not only clean but also sustainable in the long term. As more people join Community Solar programs, the demand for fossil fuels decreases, leading to a reduced strain on natural ecosystems.

## 3. Supporting Local Economies and Communities
![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1745282232-solar-installation.jpg)

Beyond environmental benefits, Community Solar has a positive impact on local economies and communities. Solar projects create jobs in construction, maintenance, and administration, supporting local workforces. As a Community Solar subscriber, you are not only contributing to a cleaner planet but also helping to boost your local economy by creating the demand for more solar projects to get financed and built. 

Community Solar subscribers are actively supporting local renewable energy, helping to limit pollution, all while preserving precious natural resources by minimizing the need for environmentally harmful fossil fuel extraction. Each subscription, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal of a sustainable and eco-friendly future. You can become a part of the collective movement towards a healthier planet through Community Solar, and demonstrate that individual actions can indeed have a powerful impact. 



3 Ways Community Solar Helps the Planet

*The Surefire Way to Save on Electricity Costs*

Beginning April 2025, Versant electricity customers in Maine will see an [increase in their distribution rate](https://www.versantpower.com/about/news-press-releases/blog-details/public-utilities-commission-approves-versant-power-distribution-rate-change). This recent change was approved by the Maine Public Utilities Commission after a detailed, yearlong review process. This will lead to a noticeable **8% increase** to Versant customers’ electricity costs. If you’re a Versant customer, now is the time to reevaluate your monthly budget and explore alternative ways to reduce your energy expenses.

The easiest way to take control of your electricity costs and reduce expenses is by subscribing to Community Solar. This [state program](http://www.maine.gov/meopa/electricity/renewable-energy/community_solar) serves as a financial buffer for these increased distribution costs. By subscribing to Community Solar, you can counteract rising electricity expenses with a fixed 15% reduction on your Solar Credits, meaning that you’ll **save up to 15%** on your electric bills. This discount remains consistent regardless of rate hikes, ensuring that as your rates go up, the savings you get will increase proportionally.

## Understanding the Impact
This transition to a new rate structure translates to an 8% increase on the total electric bill for Versant customers. For Mainers who use 750 kWh per month—the increase is $198 per year. Those averaging 1,000 kWh per month will see an annual rise of $264. If you have or are thinking about getting an electric heat pump, that can easily add 1,000 kWh or more to your monthly usage. Electric vehicles require about an average of [408 kWh per month](https://www.energysage.com/electricity/house-watts/how-many-watts-does-an-electric-car-charger-use/) to charge.

## How Community Solar Combats Rising Costs
Community Solar subscribers can expect to pay $0.85 for every dollar of solar energy produced by their share of the solar farm. This allows them to maintain a level of financial savings and security. In this way, Maine’s Community Solar program effectively functions as a hedge against persistent rises in electricity costs.

![Maine Community Solar](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1734636052-solar-energy-panels-plant-2023-11-27-05-02-31-utc-edited.png)

## Share the Savings with Friends and Neighbors
Community Solar is available to [homeowners, renters](https://ampion.net/community-solar/homeowners-and-renters), businesses–almost anyone who pays an electric bill. By referring a friend or family member to join Community Solar, both you and the person you refer will receive a **$100 Visa gift card**. It's a win-win situation that helps more Mainers manage their Versant bills. Current customers can visit their [Ampion portal](https://portal.ampion.net/) to access their referral links.

With Versant Power's distribution rate change now in effect, there's an urgency to explore viable options to mitigate the financial impact on your household budget. If you're not already subscribed to Community Solar, there's no better time to join and start reaping the benefits. 

For those already taking advantage of Community Solar, sharing the savings with your community can help spread financial relief and sustainability. Don't let rising electricity rates take you by surprise—embrace Community Solar and help create a more stable and sustainable energy future for Maine.


Navigating the Versant Rate Increase: How Community Solar Helps

* Low-income residents in Erie County, New York, will save up to 10% on their utility bills through a new community solar program, the Erie County Low Income Program for Sustainable Energy (ECLIPSE).
* Ampion will handle ongoing subscription management and will work closely with Erie County on subscriber acquisition.

Ampion Renewable Energy was selected as the community solar administrator for the Erie County Low Income Program for Sustainable Energy (ECLIPSE), a new program that provides electricity savings to Erie County residents in need. Together with Erie County, Ampion will provide qualifying residents with electricity savings of up to 10% through community solar. Eligible residents can enroll in the program through Ampion and receive discounted solar credits applied to their electric utility bills.

“Currently there are over 80,000 low-to-moderate income households in Erie County who can benefit from this program. We encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “ECLIPSE Community Solar can be coupled with other programs like Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Empower+ to ensure households canafford their energy bills.”

Community solar is a state program that enables residents to subscribe to shares of energy from local solar farms, supporting clean energy while reducing their annual electricity spend. The program is available to all Erie County homeowners and renters who are benefiting from federal or state aid programs, including the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

“Community solar makes renewable energy and savings available to electric utility customers without installations or upfront costs,” said Brian Buzby, Community Partnerships Executive at Ampion. “Through ECLIPSE, Erie County and Ampion are making it easier for low-income residents to support solar energy while saving money. Our goal is to make the enrollment process as simple as possible. All you need is a copy of your current electric bill and proof that you’re benefitting from a government assistance program.”

In addition to providing meaningful cost savings to disadvantaged households, this partnership will expand the amount of renewable energy available throughout upstate New York in the National Grid and New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) service territories as more solar energy capacity is built. Erie County will host in-person events and notify residents about ECLIPSE to help households enroll in the cost-saving program. Residents can sign up for the program at [erie.gov/eclipse](https://erie.gov/eclipse).

Ampion recently announced it has [saved subscribers over $42 million](https://ampion.net/about/blog/ampion-saves-subscribers-42-million) in electricity costs through community solar. These savings were enabled by the production of over 2.2 billion kWh of clean energy from community solar projects Ampion manages. Despite uncertainty in the clean energy industry, Ampion is growing its portfolio of over 1.5 GW under management, leading to more opportunities for low-to-moderate income households to reduce their utility bills with community solar.

**About Ampion:**
Ampion offers the easiest way to join the clean energy movement while saving money through Community Solar. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Ampion believes in giving people the power to make homes, businesses and communities more sustainable and prosperous. By connecting residents and businesses to local solar farms, Ampion boosts sustainability in communities and supports local economies. Learn more at [ampion.net](https://ampion.net/).

**About ECLIPSE:**
Erie County launched the Erie County Low-Income Program for Sustainable Energy (ECLIPSE) to expand access to renewable energy and to lower the energy burden for low- to moderate income households. The County will provide low- and moderate-income households with guaranteed savings on their monthly electricity bills as a result of this program. Visit [erie.gov/eclipse](https://erie.gov/eclipse) to learn more.

Ampion Partners with Erie County, NY to Bring Community Solar Savings to Low-Income Residents

* These savings are a result of 2.2 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean energy produced by sites Ampion manages.

* The Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) migrated 70 million kWh in community solar projects away from other subscription management companies in the second half of 2024, and expects to add over 330 million kWh of new business from portfolio migrations in 2025, despite uncertainty in the clean energy industry.

[Ampion Renewable Energy](https://ampion.net) announced that it has saved its subscribers over $42 million in electricity costs to date. These savings were enabled by the production of over 2.2 billion kWh of clean energy from community solar projects Ampion manages, equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions avoided by taking 600,000 cars off the road for one year. The [Public Benefit Corporation](https://ampion.net/about/blog/public-benefit-corporations-stakeholder-capitalism-social-responsibility) has scaled organically since 2014 without acquisitions or mergers, and now has over 100 full-time employees.

“This important milestone is a testament to our specialized focus on servicing [solar developers](https://ampion.net/energy-developers/distributed-generation), while expanding renewable energy access to all,” said Nate Owen, CEO and Founder of Ampion. “Our success can be attributed to a combination of technology platform, expert teams, and proven processes built and honed over years of dedication to this client base, without distraction from other business models. Our goal has always been to perfect a product that enables developers and asset owners to elevate their business and brand.”

Community solar portfolio migrations are a rapidly growing part of Ampion’s business. These occur when Ampion takes on subscription management services for developers who have parted ways with other providers. In the second half of 2024 alone, Ampion began managing an additional 70 million kWh in annual kWh production from these migrations. In 2025, the company will add more than 330 million kWh of annual production from over 200MW (DC) of capacity through additional portfolio migrations.

“Ampion’s software platform and subscriber management processes are purpose-built for distributed generation. The result is a stable, scalable offering for developers and fully-allocated projects. This allows clients to realize the revenue they modeled over the 20+ year life of their portfolios, well after initial subscriber acquisition,” said Andrew Kvaal, Ampion’s President and Chief Operating Officer.

The company focuses on simplifying billing, subscriber allocations, and site performance information for renewable energy developers. Ampion acquires a robust mix of subscribers, from Fortune 500 enterprises like [Wendy’s](https://ampion.net/about/blog/ampion-partners-with-wendys) to low-to-moderate income (LMI), small commercial, and mass market subscribers. The company leverages a diverse range of subscriber acquisition channels, including partnerships with community organizations, municipalities, and affordable housing providers that expand the benefits of renewables to LMI populations that need them most.

Ampion Saves Community Solar Subscribers $42 Million in Electricity Costs

*New Maine community solar sites are now producing nearly 25 megawatts of clean energy and providing savings for Mainers.*

Five Maine community solar sites managed by Ampion Renewable Energy reached commercial operation and started producing clean energy in November. These community solar sites, in both Versant Power and Central Maine Power utility territories, add nearly 25 megawatts (MW) of clean power to the grid and will produce over 28 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually. The solar projects, located in Franklin, Aroostook, Penobscot, and Washington Counties, provide local subscribers with up to 15% savings on electricity costs while enabling them to support the generation of new, clean energy for the state of Maine.

“Community solar is an invaluable state program that provides Mainers with many benefits. It bolsters the local economy, improves grid resilience, and is available to all types of electricity consumers,” said Nate Owen, CEO & Founder of Ampion. Owen spent much of his childhood in Orrington and attended John Babst Memorial High School in Bangor and Bowdoin College in Brunswick. He founded Ampion in Bar Harbor in 2014. “As a company with roots in Maine, we are thrilled to bring clean energy and savings to Maine electricity consumers.”

Ampion successfully enrolled 1,700 residential and 70 commercial customers onto these community solar sites. Ampion will also manage the ongoing billing and customer care for these customers for the full 20-year lifecycle of the projects. Currently, Ampion manages subscriptions for 48 community solar projects in Maine, amounting to over 215 MW (DC). About 10% of Ampion’s employees reside in Maine, and the company continues to hire more employees in the state to support its growing footprint. 

Ampion also works with Maine community organizations like [The Highlands](https://www.highlandsrc.com/), a senior living center in Topsham, Maine, to connect residents to electricity savings.

"The Highlands is pleased to be taking part in community solar with Ampion to support clean energy in Maine," said Troy Chapman, Operations Director at The Highlands. “We feel good about supporting local jobs and helping to make more clean energy available to the grid, all while helping our community members save money on electricity.”

Read more in [Solar Power World](https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2024/12/ampion-wraps-up-25-mw-maine-community-solar-portfolio/), [Alt Energy Mag](https://www.altenergymag.com/news/2024/12/19/ampion-brings-clean-energy-savings-to-mainers-with-5-new-community-solar-sites/44017/), and [North American Clean Energy](https://www.nacleanenergy.com/solar/ampion-brings-clean-energy-savings-to-mainers-with-5-new-community-solar-sites). 


News & Updates

Opinion: Community Solar in Maine Should Be Improved, Not Eliminated