CMP Shares Available Resources and Energy Saving Tips Ahead of Cold Snap

AUGUSTA, ME — January 10, 2022 —  In the face of the first significant cold snap of 2022, Central Maine Power (CMP) is reminding customers of available resources and energy saving tips as many areas of the state expect temperatures in the single digits this week. Energy usage can rise when temperatures dip, especially as more people rely on heat pumps to save on fuel costs and turn to electric space heaters and electric fireplaces in especially cold weather.

“We often see increased electricity usage with extreme cold temperatures like what is expected this week,” said CMP vice president of Customer Service, Linda Ball. “We want to ensure customers are aware of the resources we offer to help manage their energy usage and bills.”

CMP offers tools, resources, payment arrangements and information on financial assistance services to help customers manage their energy usage and pay their bills.

  • Usage Alerts is a free service which sends customers weekly updates on their usage and an alert when a major change in usage occurs. Customers can also set a dollar or kilowatt hour target for their own usage each month.
  • Energy Manager is a free program powered by Smart Meters that lets customers see exactly how much electricity they are using and when they are using it.
  • The Energy Calculator helps customers estimate how much it costs to run various appliances.
  • Local Community Action Agencies can help with enrollment in the Home Energy Assistance Program, which can then qualify customers for CMP programs like the Electricity Lifeline Program and the Arrearage Management Program.
  • MaineHousing’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program may provide additional help for qualified customers. 

“In addition to the tools and resources we offer, there are low-to-no cost steps customers can take to help make their home more energy efficient,” added Ball. “For example, we encourage customers to weather strip windows, open drapes to let in free heat from the sun, and let the sunlight do the work during the day by using as few lights as necessary.”

Customers can cut energy usage for heating from 20 percent to 50 percent by combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings.

Find a full list of CMP’s energy saving tips here.

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About CMP: Central Maine Power Company (CMP), a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc., is Maine’s largest electricity transmission and distribution utility. Established in 1899 and based in Augusta, Maine, CMP serves approximately 636,000 customers across 346 communities in central and southern Maine. It operates approximately 23,500 miles of distribution lines and 2,900 miles of transmission lines. Over the last decade, the company has invested approximately $3.5 billion in Maine system infrastructure. In 2019, CMP was named Large Business of the Year by the Kennebec Valley United Way. For more information, visit cmpco.com.

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $39 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 7,000 people and has been recognized by Forbes and Just Capital as one of the 2021 JUST 100 companies - a list of America's best corporate citizens - and was ranked number one within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment and the communities it serves. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2021 for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.

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