Natural gas plays a valuable role in Maine’s sustainable, lower-carbon energy future. It offers a reliable and affordable option that fuels homes, businesses, and communities statewide. A balanced energy mix—including natural gas—helps promote dependable, cost-effective choices today and for generations to come.

Mainers Value Energy Choice

Energy choice isn’t just a policy—it’s a principle. It means families can heat their homes reliably through Maine’s toughest winters. It empowers local businesses to grow and thrive. And it ensures communities have the freedom to choose energy solutions that meet their unique needs. Energy choice fosters innovation, strengthens resilience, and gives Mainers the flexibility to plan for the future on their own terms.

Energy Affordability is Essential

Affordable energy is a vital part of affordable living. As Maine addresses housing costs and economic growth, access to cost-effective sources like natural gas helps ease pressure on household budgets.

Natural gas costs an average of $600 vs. electricity which costs an average of $1,200 per year.*

Unlike heating oil, which can require scheduling deliveries and navigating difficult weather or icy conditions, natural gas provides steady, reliable service—no need to worry about delivery delays, shoveling paths, or salting your driveway.

Natural gas customers save an average of 50% in Maine.*

* https://www.aga.org/research-policy/state-profiles/me/
** https://www.maine.gov/energy/heating-fuel-prices

Since 1990, methane emissions from the gas utility industry have declined by 69%. As Maine continues to focus on energy efficiency and reducing emissions, natural gas can be part of a balanced approach—providing reliable energy today while supporting a cleaner energy future.

According to the Governor’s Energy Office, natural gas can be up to 26% less expensive than heating with electric heat pumps.**

Natural Gas and Energy Efficiency

Homes and businesses that use natural gas for heating, cooking, and hot water may be more energy efficient than those relying solely on electricity—especially when you consider how energy is created and delivered.

Unlike electricity, which can lose a lot of energy during generation and transmission, natural gas delivers energy directly to your appliances with minimal loss. That efficiency shows up in your monthly bill, too.

Energy Reliability in Cold Climates

In a state known for long, cold winters, reliable energy is a matter of safety and peace of mind. Natural gas provides dependable energy even during extreme weather, thanks to a robust underground pipeline network.

Heating oil can leave you guessing when you’re running low—especially during high-demand periods— turning the wait for deliveries into an unnecessary source of stress and uncertainty. Natural gas offers on-demand energy so you can fuel your home confidently all season long.

Energy Versatility

Natural gas is a versatile energy source that powers many of the appliances you use every day—like water heaters, stoves, clothes dryers, and furnaces—with reliable performance. Whether you're cooking dinner, starting a load of laundry, or taking a hot shower, natural gas delivers consistent energy when you need it most.