A couple years ago my husband and I moved into a home that, like 60% of houses here in Maine, burns oil for heat. When we were ready to switch to an alternative heating system, we knew we would be looking for options that helped move us away from fossil fuels, weren’t going to break Read More
heat pumps
Lower Energy Costs, More Jobs Delivered by Efficiency Maine Trust’s New Triennial Plan
NRCM News Release May 17, 2022 (Augusta, ME) – Maine homeowners and businesses will have expanded access to heat pumps, weatherization, and other programs that have been proven to save energy costs and reduce air pollution in a new $300 million, three-year strategic plan for the Efficiency Maine Trust approved by utility regulators today. The Read More
Inspiring Hope: Mainers Share Their Climate Action Stories
Acting on climate presents an exciting opportunity to grow Maine’s economy and help Mainers across the state save money and lead healthier lives. The new statewide Climate Action Plan being developed by the Maine Climate Council and due to be delivered to the Legislature on December 1, 2020, will include recommended actions and policies to jump start the clean energy economy and Read More
Home Improvements the Clean Energy Way
The year 2017 was one of energy upgrades for me. In the summer, Augusta Fuel Company (AFC) pulled out my crumbling oil boiler and all of its associated piping. This was a relief. The piping didn’t meet modern code, and having spent a lot of time working on issues related to in-home oil spills, I Read More
Maine Could (and Should) be Energy Independent
Imagine if we could keep in-state the $6 billion we spend annually on energy? By George Smith Central Maine newspapers column Maine has lots of energy, or the potential for it. As I sat through the interesting E2Tech conference on “Aligning Energy Challenges with Compatible Policies,” I kept staring at the beautiful wood fireplace in Read More
Solar Panels Help Add Jobs, Cut Costs at Bingham’s North Country Rivers
More than 140 solar panels were installed at the whitewater rafting resort last week and are expected to help generate about 50 percent of the business’s energy needs. By Rachel Ohm, Staff Writer Kennebec Journal news story BINGHAM — When the sun beats down on the roof of the equipment barn at North Country Rivers Read More
We Must Reduce Our Carbon Footprints, But That’s Only the Beginning
By John Tjepkema, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed The Earth’s climate is changing. The Arctic Ocean is becoming ice-free in the summer, and more than 80 percent of the world’s glaciers are melting. The frequency and strength of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, heat waves and droughts is increasing. The acidity of the oceans Read More
Without Solar Incentive Program, Maine Misses Energy Opportunity
But a proposed measure would help the state develop plentiful and cost-effective energy solutions. by Sen. Eloise Vitelli Portland Press Herald op-ed ARROWSIC — Mainers want and deserve access to an affordable way to generate power for our homes and businesses. Collectively, Mainers spend an average of $5 billion a year on out-of state fossil Read More
LePage Vetoes Solar Power Rebate Bill
The bill would have provided $1 million for a program for people who buy solar-powered systems. The Associated Press Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA – Maine Gov. Paul LePage has vetoed a bill that would restore a rebate program for people who buy solar power systems. The bill vetoed by the Republican governor on Read More
