About Efficiency Maine
Efficiency Maine was initially established in 2002 by the State Legislature’s “Act to Strengthen Energy Conservation,” with clear goals of saving energy, reducing energy costs, helping the environment and promoting sustainable economic development in our state. At that time, Efficiency Maine was managed by the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
Efficiency Maine is funded through the system benefit charge included in electricity rates, the regional greenhouse gas initiative and federal grants. Each year, Efficiency Maine carefully evaluates the cost-effectiveness of its programs individually and as a whole. The cumulative ratio of benefits to costs from 2004 through 2009 is 3:1, that is, every dollar spent has generated nearly $3 in lifetime economic benefits.
To date, our programs have produced the following benefits:
- Total lifetime economic benefits of approximately $400 million
- Savings of approximately four million megawatt hours of electricity—enough to power all Maine homes for a year
- Avoided emissions of two million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
In 2009, The Efficiency Maine Trust – a nine person board of directors -- was created to administer energy efficiency and alternative energy programs in the State of Maine under the banner of Efficiency Maine. On June 12, 2009, Governor Baldacci signed into law LD 1485 – An Act Regarding Maine’s Energy Future. And in July of 2010, The Trust assumed responsibility for administering all non-transportation related energy efficiency programs for the State of Maine.
Today, Efficiency Maine continues to help businesses and residents all over Maine use energy resources more efficiently, reduce energy costs, and lighten the impact on Maine’s environment from the burning of fossil fuels. Efficiency Maine’s energy savings programs reduce the use of natural gas, propane, oil and electricity through energy efficiency improvements and the use of renewal resources, such as wind, solar and bio fuels.
We offer a wide range of programs providing incentives, training and technical assistance to residents, businesses, contractors, schoolchildren and others. We have special programs to help low-income Mainers and small businesses save energy and money.
- Efficiency Maine's Business Program has trained hundreds of mechanical and electrical contracting businesses as “Efficiency Maine Qualified Partners,” to provide efficient products, services, technical advice and assistance to commercial customers. Since 2003, Efficiency Maine has paid cash incentives to more than 3,130 businesses to help them purchase energy-saving equipment; saving these businesses more than 177 million kWh annually – worth more than $234 million in lifetime energy benefits.
- Our Residential Program partners with more than 300 retail stores to help promote high-efficiency CFLs and Energy Star appliances. Efficiency Maine also offers Maine PACE Loans a new financing program that allows eligible homeowners in participating municipalities attractive financing of up to $15,000, at a fixed rate of 4.99% APR for 5, 10 or 15 years, for whole house energy upgrades including replacing your heating system, weatherizing your home and making other efficiency improvements that save you both energy and money.
