WCSH-6 news story AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Governor LePage says the Legislature hasn’t done enough to help Maine people reduce their heating costs, so he is submitting a last minute bill to do it. The Governor and his energy director, Patrick Woodcock, announced today he is submitting a plan to add a million dollars Read More
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LePage: Harvest More Timber to Lower Heating Bills
by A.J. Higgins MPBN news story Gov. Paul LePage will submit a bill to the Legislature this week that, if approved, would pump more money into a home heating conversion fund. He would pay for it by increasing the timber harvest limits on state-owned land. But critics of the plan say that’s an improper use Read More
Plan to Use State Timber Money for Energy Rebates Under Attack
WGME news story AUGUSTA (WGME) — It’s one of Maine’s largest natural resources. Trees. And Governor Paul LePage wants to use Maine’s trees to lower your energy costs. The governor wants to increase commercial logging on state-owned public land, and use the additional money to help people convert to more efficient home heating systems. Governor Read More
Hydro, Wind, Solar Resources Have Greatest Electrical Potential
by George Smith MAINESTREAM column in Kennebec Journal It’s not all about wind, but wind power is part of the solution. Today at the Augusta Civic Center, hundreds of Mainers convene for the Climate Solutions Expo and Summit, a free public event running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with interesting exhibits and presentations about Read More
CMP Fee Hike Undercuts Renewable-energy Push
The cost increase would unfairly punish those committed to green power as well as investors. Portland Press Herald editorial Use less, pay more. That’s the upshot of a proposal by Central Maine Power Co. now before the Maine Public Utilities Commission. The idea, part of CMP’s five-year rate plan, would force customers who generate some Read More
Maine Needs Solar Energy. It Also Needs a Plan for It.
Bangor Daily News editorial The state should have a better handle on this by now: How much should Maine spend to incentivize the use of solar energy to ensure the greatest return, relative to the energy needs of Maine, and how should those incentives be structured? How does solar fit within the state’s long-term energy Read More
Maine Lawmakers Should Pass Solar Power Rebate Bill
More people would invest in this technology if there were a timely incentive from the state. Portland Press Herald editorial Maine lags behind two-thirds of the states when it comes to installed solar power per capita, and it’s not for the reason you probably think. It’s not because we are so far north or have Read More
Advocates Push Bill to Restore Solar Rebates for Maine
Scott Thistle, State Politics Editor Sun Journal news story AUGUSTA — Solar energy advocates, state lawmakers and companies that install solar-energy systems said Tuesday that Maine should catch up with the rest of New England. The group, including the Natural Resources Council of Maine, touted a bill that restores a $2,000 rebate for those who Read More
Homeowners, and Business and Conservation Leaders, Call on Legislature to Pass Solar Legislation
Urge legislators to keep Maine from lagging on solar energy and jobs News release by Natural Resources Council of Maine and Maine Association of Building Professionals Augusta, ME—Dozens of Maine homeowners and small business owners assembled at the State House today to call on legislators to pass solar legislation this session that will lower barriers Read More
