Sen. Ingwersen bill to allow ongoing payments to fund heat pumps and electric vehicles receives initial support from the Maine Senate

AUGUSTA — Yesterday, the Maine Senate gave its initial support to LD 585, “An Act to Use Certain Regional Transmission Organization Payments for Beneficial Electrification to Reduce Electricity Rates,” a bill sponsored by Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel.

“I’m thrilled that my colleagues gave their support to LD 585 this week,” said Sen. Ingwersen. “This bill aims to ensure funding goes towards projects that promote clean energy use and help cut electricity costs for Mainers in the long run.”

Under current law, forward capacity market payments (funding the State receives from regional electricity markets) are only allowed to be used for heat pumps until 2025. If enacted, LD 585 would remove the 2025 deadline and expand the funding to support electric vehicles (EVs) as well.

LD 585 is part of the Legislature’s ongoing effort to promote clean and energy-efficient initiatives and technologies, like heat pumps and EVs, in a way that works for Maine people. Technologies like heat pumps and EVs use less energy and reduce overall demand on the electric grid.

The transportation sector accounts for almost half of the carbon emissions in Maine. LD 585 would increase the number of electric-powered vehicles available in Maine.

LD 585 faces additional votes in the Senate and House.