If you’re moving to Portland, Maine, whether you’re renting an apartment, buying a home, or even starting a business, understanding how to set up and manage your Portland utilities is an essential step. From Portland gas and electric services to water, internet, and waste disposal, knowing what to expect can help you plan your budget and avoid any surprises.
The cost of living in Portland includes expenses like electricity, heating, and water, and utility transfers can sometimes be confusing if you’re new to the area. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Portland ME utilities, including how to set up or transfer your accounts, how to pay your bills, and what typical costs you can expect. Whether you’re settling into a new home or launching a business, this information will help you learn to navigate Portland utilities with ease.
Average Utilities in Portland
How much do Portland utilities cost? The cost of living in Portland, Maine is already a bit above the national average, and the cost of Portland utilities is no different. According to the 2023 C2ER Cost of Living Index, Portland utilities cost 2.3% more than the national average. C2ER also reports that the average monthly electricity bill from Portland power companies is $187.61.
According to EnergySage, average electric rates in Portland, ME cost $0.24 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Energy prices are also on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, energy costs in the Northeast region are up 3.1% over the past year.
One of the most important Portland utilities that you can expect to pay is electricity. The primary electric service in Portland, Maine is Central Maine Power. Central Maine Power serves over 650,000 customers across 11,000 square miles. They have been around since 1899, when attorney Harvey Eaton and engineer Walter Wyman partnered to purchase a hydroelectric generator to provide street lighting to around 100 customers in Oakland, Maine.
Today, the company has expanded, with great successes in recent years, such as the historic restoration of powers to hundreds of thousands of residents following the ice storm of 1998 as well as joining into the Iberdrola Group and Avangrid in 2015. Avangrid is one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies, allowing Central Maine Power to focus on providing sustainable Portland utilities.
Transfer or Start Central Maine Power Service
Every resident in Portland, Maine, will need to begin Portland ME utilities with Central Maine Power. To get these Portland utilities set up, you simply need to call their Customer Relations Center. From there, a Customer Service Representative will be happy to help you start your service.
Once you have been approved for service, your Service Coordinator will get in touch within 2 business days and can provide you with information such as process time frames, forms or permits required, and any other questions you may have.
Central Maine Power Bill Pay
There are plenty of ways to pay these Portland utilities. The easiest way to pay is by making an online payment. You’ll simply need to sign into your account and make the payment with any bank or credit card. You can even set up AutoPay to ensure you never miss a payment.Â
Another option is to download the Central Maine Power mobile app. From the app, you can manage your account, make payments, and more.
You can also pay by phone by calling (800) 750-4000 and pressing “2” to make your payment using their automated phone system.
If you prefer to pay by mail, then you can make your check payable to Central Maine Power Company and mail it to:
Central Maine Power Company
P.O. Box 874810
Boston, MA 02284-7810
Lastly, you can pay in person by finding an authorized payment agency location.
Central Maine Power Contact Info
Portland Gas Company | Unitil
Gas is another important aspect when it comes to Portland ME utilities. Unitil Corporation is the main gas utility company in the area, providing services for New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. Unitil has been providing Portland utilities since 1984, and today serves over 97,000 customers in the area.
Transfer or Start Unitil Service
So how do you start or transfer these Portland utilities? If you already have an account, you can log in to your MyUnitil Account. From there, you can find the “Account Services” tab and transfer or disconnect your service from there.
If you are a new Unitil customer, navigate to the “Start New Service” portal. Here, you can fill in your address information and get your service started. They provide both electricity and gas, so make sure you choose the proper services.
Unitil Bill Pay
There are a few billing options for these Portland utilities. The easiest way is to simply log in to your account and make a payment via credit or debit card or electronic check via the website. You can also make a one-time online payment without registering for an account.
If you prefer to pay over the phone, then call 1 (800) 301-7700 to pay using a Visa or Mastercard.
There are also a number of in-person options for paying your bill. To find a location to make your payment, search for your nearest Western Union location.
Unitil Contact Info
Additional Portland Natural Gas Provider | Maine Natural Gas
If you’re looking for additional Portland utilities options, then check out Maine Natural Gas. They are another natural gas provider in Portland, offering reliable service to thousands of customers in the area.
When it comes to Portland utilities, you should be familiar with Portland Water District, the main Portland water department in the city. This Portland water company has been providing Portland utilities to customers for over a century, with over 56,000 customers in the area. They serve 11 Greater Portland communities, including Falmouth, Raymond, South Portland, and Windham.
Transfer or Start Portland Water District Service
How do you get started with these Portland utilities? There are a few options to consider. First, you can call customer service directly at (207) 761-8310. This is your only option if you are requesting services for a brand-new building or home.
Otherwise, you can also fill out the online form to request service. The form requires your basic contact information, your service address, and your billing address.
Portland Water District Bill Pay
You can pay your Portland water bill online, by mail, or in person. To pay online, you’ll simply log in to your account and pay directly in the portal. If you’d like to pay by mail, then you can make your check payable to Portland Water District and mail it to:
P.O. Box 9751
Portland, ME 04104-5051
For in-person payments, you can visit Portland Water District at 225 Douglass Street, Portland, Maine. Lobby hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. by appointment. You can also leave your payment in the locked dropbox.
Portland Water District Contact Info
Portland Maine Trash & Recycling | City of Portland
You can’t talk about Portland utilities without mentioning Portland Maine trash pickup. The City of Portland has a “Pay as You Throw” trash collection system. This means that the cost of disposing of your trash is covered by the cost of the purple trash bags, so you only need to pay for what you throw away. You can find city trash bags at several retail locations in the Greater Portland Area, and trash will only be collected in these bags.
The City of Portland does not provide you with trash cans, so you will need to provide your own bin. You can use the Trash and Recycling Collection Web App to find out which day of the week trash pickup happens in your area. The City asks that you have your trash and recycling out at your curb by 6:30 a.m. and pull it back from the curb by 8:00 p.m. on your day of service.
Portland Maine Internet Providers
Internet is another one of the most important Portland utilities. Here are a few of the most popular providers in the area.
Get in Touch With Our Portland Movers Today
Now that you know how to set up all of your Portland ME utilities, it’s time to get started. Portland utilities are an essential part of settling into your new home or opening your business. If you’re thinking about moving to the Portland area, then give the experts at Preferred Moving & Storage a call.
Our professional Maine movers will make your life easier before, during, and after moving day. To discuss your move and get started with a free quote, call (351) 888-3984 today.
