Electricity Laws and Incentives in Maine

The list below contains summaries of all Maine laws and incentives related to electricity.

Laws and Regulations

Accessible Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Working Group

The Commissioner of Transportation must establish a working group to study EV charger accessibility. The working group must develop a document that simplifies the United States Access Board’s Design Recommendations for Accessible EV Charging Stations report (PDF) for individuals interested in the design and installation of EV chargers. Additionally, the working group must recommend EV charging stations accessibility standards and how those standards should be incorporated into local code standards. The Commissioner of Transportation published a report (PDF) that included that working group’s recommendations in January 2024.

(Reference House Bill 467, 2023)

Beneficial Electrification Policy Support and Planning

Maine Governor’s Energy Office (Office) may petition the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to procure energy from renewable resources to achieve emission reduction and renewable energy goals to meet electricity demand. MPUC must also conduct a study on cost-effective consumer financing of beneficial electrification productions, including EV charging station equipment. The study must analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various financing methods, and MPUC must submit a report of their findings to the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology by January 5, 2024.

(Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 35A, Section 3801)

Electric School Bus Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Pilot Program

Efficiency Maine must assess the feasibility of implementing a V2G pilot project for electric school buses within the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District. Efficiency Maine must evaluate the cost effectiveness of the pilot project, ways to minimize costs and maximize ratepayer benefits, the cost of grid interconnection, and whether a V2G pilot project could be implemented within Efficiency Maine’s budget. On January 15, 2024, Efficiency Maine submitted a report (PDF) of their findings and recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Technology.

(Reference House Bill 519, 2023)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Promotion Requirement

Electric utilities must design rates to encourage EV charger use and file rate schedule proposals with the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Utilities filed proposals with the PUC on November 1, 2021. Proposed EV charging stations must align with the Maine Won’t Wait climate framework.

(Reference Maine PUC Docket No. 2021-0198 and House Bill 245, 2021)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Deployment and Emissions Reduction Roadmap

The Governor’s Energy Office and the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future published the Maine Clean Transportation Roadmap (PDF) (Roadmap) in December 2021. The Roadmap identifies policies, programs, and regulatory changes needed to accelerate widespread adoption of EVs and other clean transportation technologies to meet Maine’s transportation emission reductions and EV deployment goals. The Roadmap also includes recommendations to accelerate the EV market in Maine by increasing EV charging station deployment, evaluating the impact of EVs on electric utilities and the grid, and prioritizing equitable adoption of EVs.

(Reference Executive Order 36, 2021)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Deployment and Fleet Acquisition Goals

The Maine Central Fleet Management Division and the Department of Public Safety must meet the following light-duty vehicle (LDV) fleet acquisition goals:

• By 2025, 50% of state fleet LDV acquisitions are zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs); and,
• By 2030, 100% of state fleet LDV acquisitions are ZEVs and PHEVs

The state also established a goal of increasing statewide EV and PHEV registrations to 220,000 by 2030, and encourages county and municipal fleets to increase ZEV and PHEV purchases to 100% of all new LDV acquisitions by 2035.

(Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 5, Section 1830; Title 30-A, Sections 125, 3111; and, Title 35-A, Section 10104)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Development

Maine’s smart grid infrastructure policy promotes the development, implementation, availability, and use of smart grid technology. The policy includes the goal of integrating advanced electric storage and peak-reduction technologies, such as EVs, into the electric system.

(Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 35-A, Section 3143)

Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Electric Vehicle (EV) Pilot Program

From 2023 to 2026, Efficiency Maine is required to develop a pilot program to provide incentives for the purchase or lease of MHD EVs in commercial applications. The pilot program must be designed to demonstrate the performance of the EVs and gather information about EV costs, benefits, and other considerations relevant to their use and adoption in the state. Participants will be limited to businesses with 500 or fewer employees. Additionally, by December 31, 2026, Efficiency Maine must submit a report of the activities and findings of the pilot program to the legislature.

(Reference Senate Bill 122, 2024)

Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support

California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington (signatory states) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of MHD ZEVs through involvement in a Multi-State ZEV Task Force (Task Force).

In July 2022, the Task Force published a multi-state action plan (PDF) to support electrification of MHD vehicles. The action plan includes strategies and recommendations to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including limiting all new MHD vehicle sales in the signatory states to ZEVs by 2050, accelerating the deployment of MHD ZEVs, and ensuring MHD ZEV deployment also benefits disadvantaged communities.

For more information, see the MHD ZEVs: Action Plan Development Process website.

Provision for Establishment of Clean Fuel Vehicle Insurance Incentives

An insurer may credit or refund any portion of the premium charged for an insurance policy on a clean fuel vehicle in order to encourage its policyholders to use clean fuel vehicles, as long as insurance premiums on other vehicles are not increased to fund these credits or refunds. Clean fuels include, but are not limited to, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, alcohol fuels containing not less than 85% alcohol by volume, and electricity.

(Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 24-A, Section 2303-B)

Public Utility Definition

An entity that sells electricity for the sole purpose of charging the battery of an electric vehicle (EV) is not defined or regulated as an electricity provider. An EV charging station operator may charge a submetered user only for kilowatt-hours used.

(Reference Maine Revised Statues Title 35-A Sections 313-A and 3201)

Recognition Program for Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The Governor’s Energy Office and the Efficiency Maine Trust will launch a clean vehicle recognition program. This program will recognize leading Maine dealerships, businesses, local governments, and other entities that are advancing achievement of Maine’s transportation targets through EV sales, EV charging infrastructure, fleet conversions, and educational programming.

(Reference Executive Order 36, 2021)

Zero Emission School Bus Acquisition and Working Group

Beginning in 2035, 75% of school bus acquisitions must be zero emission school buses. The Office of Policy Innovation and the Future will convene a working group to:

• Review different types of zero emission school buses and the benefits and challenges associated with each technology;
• Analyze financing options for the acquisition of zero emission school buses;
• Engage electric utilities and other private entities that are interested in partnering with school administrators to acquire zero emission school buses;
• Plan for the deployment of charging infrastructure to support zero emission school buses; and,
• Assess training and education options for zero emission school bus use and maintenance.

In January 2023, the working group published a report of their findings.

The Maine Board of Education may obtain loans or enter into a lease-purchase agreement to acquire zero emission school buses. The term of the loan or lease purchase may be up to 15 years.

(Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 35-A, Section 5401 and Section 10104 )

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support

Maine joined California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of ZEVs through involvement in a ZEV Program Implementation Task Force (Task Force). In May 2014, the Task Force published a ZEV Action Plan (PDF) (Plan) identifying 11 priority actions to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including deploying at least 3.3 million ZEVs and adequate fueling infrastructure within the signatory states by 2025. The Plan also includes a research agenda to inform future actions. On an annual basis, each state must report on the number of registered ZEVs, the number of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations, and available information regarding workplace fueling for ZEVs.

In June 2018, the Task Force published a new ZEV Action Plan (PDF) for 2018-2021. Building on the 2014 Action Plan, the 2018 Action Plan makes recommendations for states and other key partners in five priority areas:

• Raising consumer awareness and interest in electric vehicle technology;
• Building out a reliable and convenient residential, workplace and public charging/fueling infrastructure network;
• Continuing and improving access to consumer purchase and non-financial incentives;
• Expanding public and private sector fleet adoption; and
• Supporting dealership efforts to increase ZEV sales.

For more information, see the Multi-State ZEV Task Force website.

State Incentives

Clean Transportation and Infrastructure Loans

Efficiency Maine administers the Maine Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator (Accelerator) to provide loans for qualified alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) projects, including the purchase of electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), and associated vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure. Recipients must direct 40% of funds towards low-income communities and communities of color.

The Accelerator must also establish a financing program to provide low- and zero-interest loans to schools, municipalities, and non-profit organizations to purchase ZEVs and associated fueling infrastructure. The Accelerator must publish an annual report, including greenhouse gas emission reductions resulting from investments.

(Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 35-A, Section 2360)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Funding

Efficiency Maine offers a rebate of $350 to government and non-profit entities for the purchase of Level 2 EV charging stations. Applicants are awarded one rebate per port and may receive a maximum of two rebates. EV charging stations must be purchased between December 21, 2020, and December 31, 2023. The program is funded by Maine’s portion of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including how to apply and priority site characteristics, see the Efficiency Maine EV Initiatives website.

(Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 35-A, Section 10127)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebates

Efficiency Maine’s EV Accelerator provides rebates to Maine residents, businesses, government entities, and tribal governments for the purchase or lease of a new EV or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) at participating Maine dealerships or from the original equipment manufacturer. Rebate amounts are based on participant type:

Qualified low-income residents are also eligible for a rebate of up to $2,500 for the purchase of a used EV or PHEV. Eligible vehicles must be purchased or leased between December 21, 2020, and December 31, 2024. The program is funded by Maine’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including eligible vehicles and preapproval requirements, see Efficiency Maine’s EV Initiatives website.

(Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 35-A, Section 10126)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebates for Businesses

The Efficiency Maine EV Accelerator provides rebates to businesses for the purchase of new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and EVs at participating dealerships. Rebate amounts are based on vehicle type:

Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses must have a fleet of at least five registered light-duty vehicles to be eligible for the light-duty rebates. For more information, including how to apply and eligibility requirements, see the Efficiency Maine EV Rebates website.

Maine's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the Maine Department of Transportation to submit an annual EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. The submitted plans must be established according to NEVI guidance (PDF).

To review Maine’s NEVI plan, see the Joint Office State Plans for EV Charging website.

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