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
Energy Efficiency
NRCM supports energy efficiency technologies and initiatives that benefit Maine. For too long, Maine—and the U.S.—has been reliant upon fossil fuels for our energy needs. These dirty energy sources—oil, coal, gas—contribute to climate change and other air pollution that leads to serious health and environmental issues in Maine. This addiction to dirty energy also hinders progress toward the increased energy independence our country and our state need.
NRCM's top energy priority is advocating for greater energy efficiency and conservation, as that is consistently the cheapest, cleanest way to combat Maine’s environmental problems while reducing energy pollution.
Maine has created momentum and infrastructure for energy efficiency improvements. Now, Maine needs a longer-term strategy to maximize energy efficiency and weatherization in our homes and businesses, boost business growth, and slash energy costs.
Top House Republican Says He’d Work to Restore $38 Million to Efficiency Maine
Rep. Kenneth Fredette, a leading advocate for a 2013 energy law, agrees that a drafting error likely led to the PUC vote to cut funding and calls criticism of the agency unfair. By Steve Mistler. Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — House Minority Leader Kenneth Fredette, R-Newport, said Thursday that he is Read More
GOP Leader Wants Controversial PUC Decision Overturned
By Mal Leary MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine – Lawmakers may act to overturn a controversial Maine Public Utilities Commission decision that would slash programs to help people heat their homes and reduce electricity costs. House Republican Leader Ken Fredette of Newport, while defending the PUC’s conclusion, wants it overturned with legislation, if necessary. In Read More
Maine Regulators’ Ruling Could Wipe Out Heating System Upgrade Funding
By Darren Fishell, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story PORTLAND, Maine — Programs that help Maine homeowners and businesses pay for heating system improvements could be on the chopping block if a decision capping funding for the Efficiency Maine Trust goes unchanged by the Legislature. Michael Stoddard, executive director of Efficiency Maine, said Wednesday Read More
A Missing ‘And’ Cut Efficiency Maine’s Possible Funding in Half
By Darren Fishell, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story Little did we know, the word “and” could be worth somewhere in the range of $36 million. The Maine Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday capped the amount of money it can require utilities to give to the Efficiency Maine Trust, which subsidizes energy savings projects 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
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
PUC Votes to Slash Funding for Energy Efficiency Programs
By Susan Sharon MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine — In a move being criticized by environmental groups, the Maine Public Utilities Commission today voted 2-1 to severely limit funding for energy efficiency programs. If the ruling stands, the head of Efficiency Maine says he’ll have to slash programs to help people heat their homes and Read More
