Electric Vehicles
At Versant Power, we're continuing our commitment to environmental stewardship and technological advancement through support of electric vehicle technology. Electric vehicles have many benefits to both the user and our environment.
Versant Power has expanded certain rates and created new rates to offer savings for customers using electric vehicles, energy storage, heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.
As a result of An Act to Advance Energy Storage in Maine, the Maine Public Utilities Commission approved agreements on Sept. 27, 2022 to implement rates to encourage efficient adoption of electric vehicles, energy storage, heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.
The new and/or expanded rates will encourage electricity use during periods of lower demand and aim to help customers save money.
We have announced the following rates as of November 2022:
Home Eco Rate – (Bangor Hydro District)
- This is available for electric vehicle charging and/or battery storage (battery storage devices enable energy from renewables, like solar and wind, to be stored and then released when customers need power most). This is a time of use rate.
- This is the same as our residential service rate time-of-use, but adds electric vehicle charging and electric battery storage.
- This will be available in the Maine Public District after the meter replacement project is complete.
Business Eco Rate – (Maine Public District and Bangor Hydro District)
- This rate is for commercial Level 2 electric vehicle charging and battery storage. (Level 2 chargers are plugged into a 240V outlet which allows charging 3 to 7 times faster depending on the electric car and the charger. They usually have to be installed by an electrician.)
- This is the same as the Maine Public District’s General Service.
- This is the same as the Bangor Hydro District General Service w/ 25kW cap.
Additional rates were announced as of June 2023:
Home Eco Rate with Bonus Meter – (Bangor Hydro District)
- This rate is the same as residential electric thermal storage, but adds separately metered EV charging and/or storage
- Payment is required for second meter installation, but there are no separate minimum monthly charges for a second meter
Business Eco Rate – (Bangor Hydro District)
- This rate is for commercial Level 2 EV charging and battery storage
- Payment is required for second meter installation, but there are no separate minimum monthly charges for a second meter
- This is the same as the Business Eco Rate above, but with a 50kW cap.
DC Fast Charging and Storage Eco Rate – (Bangor Hydro District)
- This rate is for Level 3+ (fast) EV charging and battery storage
Payment is required for second meter installation, but there are no separate minimum monthly charges for a second meter
Versant Power has also been undertaking an advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) project and additional rates will be available upon its completion.
To inquire about these rates, please contact Customer Service toll free at 1-855-363-7211 or local at 207-973-2000.
Electric Vehicles at Versant
The quiet, smooth operation, surprisingly quick acceleration, and increased digital connectivity make the driving experience incredibly enjoyable.
Electric vehicles have lower emissions than internal combustion engines running on gas or diesel, which can greatly reduce their environmental impact. Also, as almost all U.S. electricity is produced domestically, electric vehicles help alleviate our reliance on foreign petroleum by making us less vulnerable to price spikes and supply disruptions.
Versant Power has helped sponsor EV charging stations within the communities we serve and helped fund the purchase of an EV to Northern Maine Community College’s Automotive Technology Program.
For more information about electric vehicles, such as rebates and charging infrastructure, visit www.efficiencymaine.com/ev/.