Energy Accomplishments from the 124th Maine Legislature

2009 will be remembered as the year Maine set itself on a course towards energy independence. The bipartisan energy bill not only sets a vision for the state, it outlines the steps necessary to achieve that vision. Maine’s capacity for renewable resources is practically endless. In addition to moving us off foreign oil and reducing our carbon footprint, Maine’s march towards sustainability will create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity.

Energy Efficiency Programs: The Legislature created one stop shopping for all of Maine’s energy efficiency programs. This allows Maine people to get all the information they need to make their homes and businesses more energy efficient from one entity. By streamlining the process we have made it cheaper for Maine families to heat their homes.

Energy Efficient Affordable Housing: The energy bill includes up to $30 million for energy efficient affordable housing to be built in locations that encourage people to walk to work and school or to utilize public transportation. These homes will require less fuel to heat and encourage behavior that reduces the use of other fossil fuels. It will also create or save close to 6,000 construction jobs over the course of the next two years providing a much needed shot in the arm for our struggling economy.

Moratorium and Study of Energy Corridor: Transforming our right of ways into energy corridors holds great promise for our state, but we must make sure we do it right. By not issuing final permits for a few months the Legislature will have an opportunity to assess the impacts and benefits of large scale transmission projects. There is no doubt Maine will benefit from the delivery of cheap energy and the additional revenues that accompany transmission corridors, so taking a few months to determine how to maximize our benefit is the prudent course.

Workforce Development: In order to fully capitalize on the renewable energy revolution our workforce must have the skills necessary to thrive in the new economy. The benefits of renewable energy are substantial, but Maine can dramatically increase those benefits by having a highly trained green workforce who can develop new technologies, manufacture windmill turbines and construct and maintain our energy infrastructure.

Ocean Energy: The Gulf of Maine’s powerful winds and dramatic tides hold amazing potential to move us off foreign oil to a sustainable energy future. The legislation, which stemmed from the recommendations of the Ocean Energy Task Force, is a colossal step towards moving us from potential to reality. The benefits of this extend beyond the delivery of cheap, renewable energy to the people of Maine. By developing the technology at our universities and building a cutting edge energy infrastructure we have opened the door for the creation of countless high paying jobs for years to come.

Community-Based Energy: Reducing our carbon footprint and providing low cost, renewable energy to Maine people is closer to becoming a reality with the establishment of the community based energy pilot program. Encouraging community based projects will facilitate the development of renewable energy right here in Maine. By providing groups and individuals the ability to develop wind and solar power projects in their communities we have given people the ability to change how they consume power. This will serve as a powerful tool as Maine continues to move towards energy sustainability.

Other Energy Savings Tips and Programs

KeepME Warm

A state initiative called Keep ME Warm promotes several energy conservation programs that have helped many Maine people and families save money. One of the most popular ways to reduce energy costs is by using compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.

CFL light bulbs only use about 25 percent of the energy a traditional incandescent light bulb uses. Just one CFL bulb can produce meaningful savings for homeowners over the course of a year. When people use multiple CFLs throughout their homes, you start seeing the savings really add up.

Although the bulbs initially cost a little more than regular bulbs, instant rebates from Efficiency Maine are available at most stores that sell them to help defray the costs.

Even with rebates on energy efficient light bulbs, some people are still going to need some help with their oil bill.

LIHEAP

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to lower-income families who may need a little extra help paying their oil bill this winter.

Throughout our state Community Action Programs or CAPs work in conjunction with the Maine State Housing Authority to help administer LIHEAP. In addition to the fuel program, others may qualify for a companion program associated with LIHEAP that helps pay a portion of a qualifying applicant’s electric bill called the Low Income Assistance Plan (LIAP).

Similar to the energy efficient CFL light bulb program, others may want to take advantage of the Appliance Replacement Program also administered by the Maine State Housing Authority. The program works with households to reduce energy costs by replacing inefficient and expensive-to-operate appliances.

Others may want to consider the Maine Home Repair Network run by the Maine State Housing Authority. The program provides special low-interest and zero percent loans to qualified low-income homeowners for necessary home repairs. The program funds repairs or replacements for wells and septic systems, repairs on heating and electrical systems, roofs and chimneys, windows and doors, siding, and other energy efficiency or safety improvements.

There are many ways to lower your home’s energy costs. Sometimes just a little weatherization around windows and doors can make a huge difference.

If you would like more information on LIHEAP or other energy services, please call the Maine State Housing Authority at 1-800-452-4668 or contact one of the local CAP agencies nearest you.