Unitil, a major natural gas provider in southern Maine, has filed a request with the Maine Public Utilities Commission to increase distribution rates for its customers. If approved, the change would raise the monthly bill for a typical residential heating customer by approximately $11. This represents a 9.6% increase based on an average usage of 61 therms per month. The proposed rate adjustment aims to cover rising operational expenses and investments in upgrading the gas distribution system.
The rate increase would impact Unitil customers in cities such as Portland, Lewiston, Auburn, Westbrook, South Portland, Biddeford, Saco, Scarborough, and Kittery. Customers served by other local natural gas providers like Maine Natural Gas and Bangor Natural Gas would not see changes under this filing. Unitil expects that, if approved, the new rates will take effect between June 1 and July 1 of 2027. The company’s last base rate case was filed in 2023.
Amanda Vicinanzo, Unitil’s external affairs manager, emphasized that regular rate reviews are necessary to ensure safe and reliable service for customers. The Maine Public Utilities Commission will carefully evaluate the proposal before deciding whether to approve it as is, reject it, or suggest modifications. Northern Utilities Maine serves over 35,000 natural gas customers across southern Maine regions including Greater Portland and Lewiston.
Meanwhile, in Bend, Oregon, city officials are preparing to vote on a new Climate Pollution Fee that would increase costs for home builders who install natural gas appliances in new single-family homes. Scheduled for a vote on Wednesday, the fee is designed to encourage builders to switch to electric appliances by making natural gas options more expensive. This initiative is part of Bend’s broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
The proposed fee would apply to gas furnaces, water heaters, stoves, dryers, fireplaces, and dual-fuel heat pumps with gas furnaces. It is expected to add between $1,300 and $3,000 per home depending on its size. The fee calculation is based on the carbon emissions difference between gas and electric appliances multiplied by a portion of the social cost of carbon—a metric estimating environmental and human damages caused by climate change effects.
Supporters argue that all-electric homes can be better for both the environment and homeowners’ long-term energy costs. However, some builders and energy industry representatives warn that the fee could raise housing prices and place additional strain on the electrical grid. If approved, Bend will become the second Oregon city after Ashland to implement such a fee. The fee would not apply until April 2027 and excludes multifamily homes and existing buildings.
Both developments illustrate how communities are addressing natural gas usage amid rising costs and environmental concerns. While Maine focuses on covering infrastructure expenses through rate increases for current customers, Bend aims to reduce future natural gas consumption by shifting new construction toward electric alternatives. These approaches reflect growing efforts across the U.S. to balance energy affordability with climate goals.
