By Christopher Cousins, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — A bill that seeks to fix what has been widely described as a $38 million typo in a 2013 energy bill is en route to Gov. Paul LePage, who has indicated he won’t support it. LD 1215, which was sponsored by Assistant Read More
Efficiency Maine
Maine Legislature Gives Final Approval to Efficiency Bill to Fix the “And” (LD 1215)
Senate Approves Bill Unanimously, Under the Hammer Sending it to the Governor’s Desk Statement of Dylan Voorhees, NRCM Clean Energy Director “We applaud the Senate and the full Legislature for final passage of this simple bill to uphold the clear legislative intent of the omnibus energy bill and save Maine people and businesses a billion Read More
70% of Maine Voters Support Proposed Bond to Reduce Heating Costs through Expanded Home Efficiency
NRCM news release Augusta, ME – As members of the Maine Legislature’s Appropriations Committee consider a variety of bond proposals to send to voters, a poll of likely voters shows fully 70% support a proposed $30 million bond to improve the energy efficiency of 30,000 Maine homes. LD 1341, sponsored by Senator Dawn Hill of Read More
Bill to Fix Clerical Error in Maine Energy-efficiency Law Advances
But its prospects are uncertain because of a likely veto by LePage. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A bill correcting a one-word clerical error potentially worth $38 million for an energy-efficiency program moved closer to final passage in the Legislature on Monday after weeks on the back burner. Read More
Partisan Struggle Over Maine Energy Policy Persists
by Scott Thistle, Sun Journal Sun Journal news story AUGUSTA, Maine — The $38 million fallout from a missing “and” — along with a push by Republican lawmakers and Gov. Paul LePage to create a new Cabinet-level Department of Energy — highlights the ongoing struggle the state’s top policymakers face as they try to combat Read More
How a Missing Word and a Few Misguided Bills Could Undermine Maine’s Energy Future
By Annie Gilleo, Senior Policy Analyst at ACEEE American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy Blog Post Who knew an “and” could unravel everything? In Maine, we’re seeing just how much damage three missing letters can do. In 2013, the Maine legislature passed the Omnibus Energy Act, stabilizing funding for the energy efficiency programs led by Read More
PUC Stands by Efficiency Maine Funding Decision
By MaineBiz Staff Writer MaineBiz News Story The Maine Public Utilities Commission has decided against reconsidering its controversial decision to essentially cut $38 million from Efficiency Maine’s budget. The Portland Press Herald reported that the PUC voted 2-1 on Wednesday against reconsidering its interpretation of a 2013 law that determines Efficiency Maine’s state funding formula. Read More
Maine PUC Votes to Deny Motions by Four Parties to Reconsider Its Decision to Limit Energy Efficiency
Second failure by PUC to honor legislative intent means Maine Senate should now take action to correct error News Release Augusta, ME – The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today voted (2-1) to deny two motions urging them to reconsider their recent decision to severely limit funding for energy efficiency programs that reduce electricity costs Read More
Maine House Gives Initial Approval to Restore Funds for Energy Efficiency Program
The House voted 138-1 to approve the bill, but Gov. Paul LePage has indicated that he plans to veto it. By Steve Mistler, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — The House of Representatives gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill designed to fix a clerical error that cut $38 million from an Read More
