Measure to Invest in Northern Maine Resources Receives Initial Senate Approval

Bond would fund the High-efficiency Biomass Boiler Rebate Program 

AUGUSTA – A measure sponsored by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson (D-Allagash) to encourage investment in high-efficiency biomass boilers received initial approval in the Senate by a vote of 26 to 9. The measure would authorize a $10 million bond to fund the High-efficiency Biomass Boiler Rebate Program.

“This bond is an important investment in Northern Maine’s economy,” said Senator Jackson. “It enables us to provide consumers with another alternative to bring down energy costs while making use of our abundant natural resources.”

The measure enables individuals who install a high-efficiency, biomass central heating system or boiler to receive a rebate of 30 percent of the cost of the system or boiler, or $6,000 (whichever costs less). “High efficiency” is defined as having an efficiency rating of 80 percent or higher.

The measure, L.D. 1468, “An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Establish the High-efficiency Biomass Boiler Rebate Program and the Home Heating Conversion Fund,” faces future votes in the Senate and the House.

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