So the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) did a study that concluded the “value of solar” is 33.7 cents/kwh. (The study was done in response to legislation last year that NRCM developed and led the passage of.) What in the world does that mean? Is that what solar is worth? What it costs? How does that Read More
NRCM Testimony on Three Single-use Plastic Disposable Bag Bills
NRCM Testimony Regarding: An Act To Strengthen Recycling of Single-use Plastic Shopping Bags (LD 325); An Act To Encourage the Use of Alternatives to Single-use Plastic Disposable Bags (LD 396); and An Act To Reduce Waste from Disposable Bags (LD 680) Senator Saviello, Representative Welsh, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Read More
My Maine This Week: Jym St. Pierre
Spring is here! While there is still snow on the ground and cold weather in the air, we thought you’d enjoy seeing this beautiful photo taken last spring by NRCM member Jym St. Pierre. Jym took this photo in Wales, Maine.
Lawmakers Should Fix the Missing ‘And’ So Energy Efficiency Work is Not Cut Back
By The BDN Editorial Board Bangor Daily News editorial At $12 million per letter, a missing “and” in a state law has proven an expensive error now that the state Public Utilities Commission used inadvertently flawed statutory language to cut funding for Maine’s energy efficiency work by $36 million. The PUC earlier this week took Read More
For Efficiency Maine, the Word ‘And’ Made a $38 Million Difference
Lawmakers slam the state Public Utilities Commission for not considering ‘legislator intent’ in a decision that will cut funding for the energy efficiency program. By Kevin Miller and Steve Mistler, Staff Writers Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — One missing word in the Legislature’s 2013 energy law will reduce funding for energy efficiency programs Read More
Maine Regulators Slash Cap on Spending for Energy Efficiency Programs
The PUC cuts Efficiency Maine’s funding from $60 million to $22 million, a decision that many think will raise electricity bills by shrinking weatherization and heating-system programs. By Dennis Hoey. Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The Maine Public Utilities Commission voted 2-1 Tuesday to restrict funding for energy efficiency programs, drawing harsh criticism Read More
Portland Set to Carry Out Disposable-bag Fees, Polystyrene Foam Ban
Grocers and other businesses get prepared, with two ‘green packaging’ policies passed by city councilors last June scheduled to take effect April 15. By Eric Russell and Kevin Miller, Staff Writers Portland Press Herald news story Portland businesses are phasing out foam containers and gearing up to charge customers a nickel for disposable shopping bags Read More
Maine PUC Votes to Limit Energy Efficiency Savings for Maine Residents and Businesses
LePage Appointees Vote to Ignore and Subvert Legislative Intent News release Augusta, ME – In a surprising and unfortunate development, Mainers will be paying higher electric bills because the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today voted (2-1) to severely limit funding for energy efficiency programs that reduce electricity costs for Maine homes and businesses, despite Read More
Governor Puts the Brakes on Two Dozen Conservation Projects
By George Smith Bangor Daily News blog The room was packed, most unusual for a meeting of the Land for Maine’s Future Board. Extra chairs were squeezed into the small room, but some folks still had to stand. The news that Governor Paul LePage was refusing to permit the LMF Board to use bond money to Read More
