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
electricity
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
Efficiency Maine ‘And’ Fix Bill Sails Through House
By Christopher Cousins, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — A controversial bill to fix a typo that could be worth roughly $38 million to the Efficiency Maine Trust sailed through the House of Representatives Wednesday on a 138-1 vote. Assistant House Majority Leader Sara Gideon’s bill, LD 1215, which inserts the Read More
Maine House Votes 138-1 to Pass One-word Bill to Correct Typo in Energy Efficiency Law
NRCM news release Statement of Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine The House voted 138-1 to pass LD 1215, the one-word bill to correct a typo in the omnibus energy bill passed last session, in order to prevent a major cut to energy efficiency programs for homes and businesses. “This year Read More
LePage’s Intransigence Threatens Key Efficiency Maine Programs
Rather than support a quick fix of a typo, he and Republican House Leader Ken Fredette are trying to use a manufactured crisis to increase the governor’s power. By Mike Tipping Portland Press Herald column Gov. Paul LePage and Republican House Leader Ken Fredette have proved once again that they can’t be trusted. You might remember Read More
Groups Petition PUC to Reconsider Decision on Missing “And” in Energy Bill
By MPBN staff MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine – Several environmental groups are petitioning state utility regulators to reconsider their ruling on the effect of one missing word – “and” – in the state’s omnibus energy bill. Last month in a case involving the missing word, the Maine Public Utilities Commission ruled 2 to 1 Read More