Location: Bangor and Presque Isle, Maine
Fleet type: Light-duty electric vehicles (utility)
Narrative
Versant Power 
is an electric utility that provides safe and reliable electricity to more than 165,000 customers in northern and eastern Maine. The company serves a geographically diverse and largely rural population covering utility, encompassing around 10,400 square miles across Hancock, Piscataquis, Washington, Penobscot, and Aroostook counties.
Sustainability and climate resilience have been central to Versant Power’s efforts to improve the reliability of the electrical system. The company has committed to making environmental considerations a priority in operational 
decision-making, working with stakeholders to continuously develop, verify, and improve their environmental management systems. In recent years, this has meant modernizing and strengthening infrastructure through replacing outdated equipment, enhancing vegetation management, and interconnecting renewable-generation projects.
To address growing demand, electrification, and the ongoing need for grid modernization, Versant developed an Integrated Grid Plan (IGP). Versant plans to roll out IGP initiatives over the next decade and is preparing for an increased electricity demand due to statewide shifts from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs).
A community event with a Chevrolet Bolt. Source: Versant Power
Versant Power is actively integrating electric vehicles into its operations and currently has 29 EVs, which accounts for about 10% of its entire fleet of 285 vehicles. They recently integrated several electric Chevrolet Silverado trucks with a range over 450 miles into their fleet, which allows team members to travel throughout the large service territory. In 2025, Versant Power added three electric cargo vans to support operations in its island service areas. The fleet also includes smaller vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt with a range of about 240 miles, which is used for customer and stakeholder meetings across the region.
In addition to electrifying its fleet, Versant Power has supported broader EV adoption through investments in charging infrastructure and workforce development. The utility has sponsored community EV charging stations and contributed funding toward the purchase of an EV for the Northern Maine Community College Automotive Technology Program.
As an electric utility, Versant Power offers alternative electricity rates to encourage their customers to adopt EVs and other clean energy technologies. Following the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s approval in 2022 – which was in response to An Act to Advance Energy Storage in Maine – Versant introduced a range of rate structures designed to support state climate change policy. The rates apply to residential and commercial customers, and extend to DC fast charging. By incentivizing electricity use during periods of lower demand, customers can save money on technologies such as heat pumps and EV chargers.
Outputs & Outcomes
- Lower Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions: Unlike internal combustion engines that run on gas or diesel, battery-powered electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions, reducing their environmental impact. In 2025, Versant team members drove a cumulative 207,748 miles in EVs and saw a decrease in Scope 1 carbon emissions from its fleet from 4,810 kg CO2e in 2024 to 3,718 kg CO2e in 2025.
- Enhanced Features and Driving Experience: Versant has reported that employees have responded positively to the overall feel of their EVs, noting that the near-silent ride and modern onboard technology have made daily driving more enjoyable.
Best Practices & Lessons Learned
A fleet of Chevrolet Silverado charging onsite. Source: Versant Power
After testing various EVs in its fleet, Versant Power determined long-range EVs are better suited to its operations and continues to add EVs to its fleet where feasible, collecting data on their use and suitability to inform future EV purchases.
Josh, a member of Versant Power’s safety team, speaks highly of his electric truck. One of the most impressive features Josh has noticed is the EV’s ability to act as a mobile power source, especially valuable during emergencies or storm response periods. “In an emergency, you can run extension cords, charge power tools, batteries, spotlights—right from the truck,” he said. “For line crews working day three or four of a storm, keeping batteries charged can be a real challenge. This vehicle could actually help with that.” Josh also highlighted the usefulness of the front trunk. “It’s a great place to store chargers, tools, extra clothes—everything stays dry and organized,” he said. “I’m planning to keep a tote in there so I can help support crews when needed.”
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