Energy Efficiency Policy in Maine

As a result of the Maine Energy Future Act of 2009, Maine is undergoing a major shift in its approach to energy efficiency. All energy efficiency and alternative energy programs in the state will now be directed by the Efficiency Maine Trust. The Trust, operating under the guidance of a stakeholder advisory board, is charged with administering all of Maine's energy efficiency programs and working with the Legislature and the Public Utilities Commission to develop energy policy. The legislation sets an ambitious goal of weatherizing all homes by 2030 and achieving 30 percent savings in electric and natural gas use by 2020.

The first Triennial Plan of the Efficiency Maine Trust for 2011 to 2013, approved in July 2010 by the PUC, is available on the Trust's website here. The Trust calls for an increase in the system benefit charges for electric and natural gas efficiency programs, as well as new programs for heating fuel customers. Revisions to the plan are anticipated this fall.

Maine recently adopted IECC 2009 for residential and commercial buildings as part of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code of 2009. It came into force for communities with building codes this past July; communities without a code must begin enforcing it by July 2012.

Promoting Energy Efficiency in Maine

NEEP Comments on the Efficiency Maine Annual Plan Review (11/10/11)

NEEP Comments on LD 793-Ending Maine's Participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and ISO-New England (4/4/11)

NEEP Comments on LD 699-Proposed Revisions to the Maine Building Code (3/21/11)

NEEP Comments to Governor Paul LePage (12/15/2010)

NEEP provided guidance to new Maine Governor Paul LePage on how to take advantage of the tremendous potential for Maine to achieve energy and cost savings through energy efficiency.