The state approved a 13 percent increase in the aid available to help low-income Mainers pay their electricity bills.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission approved the increase earlier today for the Low Income Assistance Program. Mainers who qualify for federal assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, also qualify for the state program.

Commission Chairwoman Sharon Reishus said the additional funding was an attempt to keep up with rising electricity rates. The increase means the average benefit to eligible Mainers will increase $25 dollars a year, to $200 a year.

About 40,000 Maine consumers take part in the program.

The 13 percent increase brings total funding for the state program to $6.96 million, an increase of $906,000.