Maine Leads in Fight against Global Warming

Maine took a big step forward in the fight against global warming this session by passing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI creates a new carbon dioxide cap and regional carbon credit trade program with participating states in a ten-state region. Together these states add up to the seventh largest source of global warming pollution in the world. The program puts a cap on carbon dioxide emissions and requires power plants to buy carbon credits at auction. Revenues will be reinvested into programs to fund energy efficiency and reduce electric rates for consumers. Companies will be able to freely buy and sell carbon credits to meet their emission requirements, providing an incentive for plants to cut emissions. RGGI received great support from Maine’s power producers because they will benefit in the long-term from more efficient power plants and a better environment.

Incentives Provided to Use Alternative Energy

Sunlight can provide low-cost, renewable power and heat for Maine homes and businesses, but requires expensive initial investments in technology. We improved rebates encouraging the sale of solar thermal systems and solar photovoltaic systems.

In addition, we sought to expand the production and use of biofuels. We doubled from five to ten years the time a producer may claim the 5¢ per gallon biofuel tax credit and directed Maine’s Office of Energy Independence to design an alternative fuel incentive program.

Lawmakers set new goals to increase the amount of renewable energy supplied to Maine. The new law mandates increases in Maine’s use of “green electric power” by 10% by 2017, increasing at a rate of 1% per year. State government will lead by example in the effort to “go green” by requiring all state-owned office buildings to be supplied with green energy no later than 2010.

Updated August 2007

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.