Maine enacts community choice aggregation law

By AI, Created 10:42 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Freedom Energy Logistics and Bold Coast Energy say Maine’s new LD 2112 gives towns, tribal nations and ratepayers new tools to pursue lower electricity costs and more control over supply choices. The law also adds consumer protections and directs state regulators to set rules for outreach and opt-out rights.

Why it matters: - LD 2112 gives Maine municipalities and authorized tribal nations a new way to buy electricity collectively and potentially secure lower, more stable rates for residents. - The law is intended to expand local control over power procurement while preserving consumer protections and limiting impacts on customers who do not join a program. - Community Choice Aggregation can also support renewable energy goals and local priorities such as price stability and transparency.

What happened: - Freedom Energy Logistics and Bold Coast Energy praised Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Legislature for enacting LD 2112, which establishes Community Choice Aggregation for Maine communities. - The law gives towns and authorized tribal nations the authority to conduct opt-out electricity aggregation. - The legislation specifically includes the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, the Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe among the tribal nations able to participate. - Representative Gerry Runte introduced the bill to help lower electricity bills for Maine ratepayers.

The details: - LD 2112 directs the Public Utilities Commission to adopt rules for targeted outreach so customers know their rights, program benefits and opt-out options. - Community Choice Aggregation programs may not serve financial hardship customers at rates higher than the Standard Offer procured by the PUC. - The PUC must also minimize impacts to default supply and ensure CCA programs do not affect other customers. - Representative Runte said the law could let Maine towns and tribal nations buy electricity at potentially lower and more stable rates, similar to how towns already purchase electricity for municipal needs. - Bart Fromuth, CEO of Freedom Energy, said the CCA model is already used in ten states, including New Hampshire and Massachusetts. - Fromuth said communities can use CCA to pursue lower prices, long-term fixed rates or renewable energy options instead of relying only on rates set every six months by the PUC. - Peter Whitney, president of Bold Coast Energy, said the company expects to help communities understand CCA participation and implement aggregation programs now that the law is enacted.

Between the lines: - Maine is joining a broader regional trend toward local energy procurement models that give cities and towns more leverage in electricity supply decisions. - The consumer protection language suggests lawmakers wanted to expand local choice without shifting costs or risks onto customers outside the programs. - The bill’s focus on outreach and transparency signals that participation may depend on clear education about opt-out rights and pricing.

What’s next: - The Public Utilities Commission will need to write the rules that put LD 2112 into practice. - Municipalities and tribal nations can begin evaluating whether to launch CCA programs and how to structure them for local residents. - Freedom Energy Logistics and Bold Coast Energy said they expect to work with communities as foundational implementation work moves forward.

The bottom line: - Maine has opened the door to community-based electricity buying, and the next phase will be turning the law’s local-control promise into working programs for towns and tribal nations.**