Maine Public Utilities Commission

09/08/2026

Today is 988 Day-a national day of action to raise awareness about the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of su***de, a mental health crisis, or emotional distress, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. You don't have to be in crisis to reach out-988 is there for anyone who needs someone to talk to. Help is just three digits away.

08/28/2026

The Maine Public Utilities Commission has been notified that AT&T mobile customers in York and Washington Counties are experiencing service disruptions. The Commission’s 911 Bureau reminds residents that text-to-911 is an option for reaching emergency services when voice connectivity is limited. Anyone experiencing an emergency should provide their location and a brief description of the problem when texting 911.

If you are unable to reach 911 by voice, consider these alternatives:

• Try a different wireless carrier, if available
• Use a landline phone
• Use a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service

To text 911 services, simply enter 9-1-1 into the “To” field of the text message. Your first outbound text should be as detailed and concise as possible. It should include the exact location of the emergency and what services are needed. It should also include information about any safety or weapons concerns. If total silence is important, make sure your ringer is turned off to eliminate text notification tones when the specialist replies.

Text-to-911 only works on SMS-capable wireless devices with a texting plan. It will not work with Messenger, WhatsApp or other messaging applications.

08/25/2026

The Maine Public Utilities Commission has selected a transmission and generation project as part of the Northern Maine Renewable Energy Development Program. Avangrid Networks, Inc. was chosen for the transmission project for a 1200 MW line that will terminate at Hayneseville. Clearway Energy Group LLC was selected for the generation project with its 800 MW onshore wind project. The projects are expected to provide about $400 million in net benefits to Maine ratepayers over the life of the project. Maine collaborated with four other New England States on the procurement.

FMI: https://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=puc-pressreleases&id=13360938&v=article088

08/25/2026

Call if you can. Text if you can't. When you call 9-1-1, every answer helps send the right help faster. If it's unsafe for you to call, you can text.

It may be best to text, instead of call, 911 in the following situations:

-Domestic Violence environment
-Home invasion
-Kidnapping or abduction scenario
-If you are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or late-deafened
-You have low or intermittent service connection

FMI: https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/maine911/text-to-911

08/24/2026

Summer is wrapping up and winter will be here before you know it. Winter readiness is essential, especially in our chilly Maine climate.
❄️The Public Utilities Commission offers these steps to prepare for the upcoming cold season:
1. **Weatherproof Your Home**: Address any leaks or gaps in your windows and doors to retain precious heat and conserve energy effectively.
2. **Heating System Maintenance**: Prioritize a professional inspection of your heating system. Ensuring its optimal functionality will be pivotal in keeping your space comfortably warm.
3. **Enhance Insulation**: Reinforce your home's insulation, focusing on attics and walls. Adequate insulation is paramount in maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. Insulation rebates are available through Efficiency Maine https://www.efficiencymaine.com/home-insulation/
4. **Heating Assistance Application**: For those in need, explore heating assistance programs available to support during the winter months. These programs can provide essential aid in maintaining a comfortable living environment. Applications are now open for Maine’s HEAP program and applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible at https://www.mainehousing.org/.../energy/energydetails/liheap
5. **Financial and Efficiency Resources**: We encourage you to explore the comprehensive range of financial and efficiency resources available at www.MaineElectricHelp.com. This platform offers valuable resources for optimizing energy consumption and managing costs effectively. 💰🌿

Don't be caught in the cold this winter. Start preparing now! ❄️🏠

08/18/2026

In an emergency, every second counts! Remember, if you cannot talk safely when contacting emergency services, you can text 911 in Maine. Calling is still the best option.

FMI: https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/maine911/text-to-911

08/14/2026

08/11/2026

It's ! If you're digging with a mechanical device in Maine, you must call 811 at least three days in advance to prevent damage to underground infrastructure and potential injury. It's free, it's safe, and it's the law!

08/11/2026

Did you know texting to 911 is available in Maine?

It's important to remember these things when texting to 911:
✅ The texting option should only be used when making a voice call to 911 is not an option.
✅ Using a phone to call 911 is still the most efficient way to get emergency help.
✅ Providing location information and the nature of the emergency in the first text message is imperative since the PSAPs will not receive the location of the cell phone.
✅ Text abbreviations or slang should never be used so that the intent of the dialogue can be as clear as possible.
✅ Cell phone users must be in range of a cell tower in Maine. If they are outside or near the edge of the state, the message may not reach a Maine emergency communications center.
✅ Texts sent to 911 have the same 160-character limit as other text messages.
✅ No pictures, videos, or other attachments can be sent with these emergency communications.

Text to 911 Public Service Announcement

08/04/2026

Call if you can; text if you can’t. As teachers and students get ready to return to classrooms, the Maine Public Utilities Commission reminds residents that Text-to-911 is available across Maine when making a phone call isn’t safe.

In an emergency, calling 9-1-1 is still the fastest way to reach emergency services, but when talking out loud isn’t practical or safe – in domestic violence or home or business invasion situations– Mainers can text 9-1-1 to quietly reach Emergency Communication Specialists throughout the state.

FMI: https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/maine911/text-to-911t