About Efficiency Maine

Efficiency Maine is an independent trust dedicated to promoting the efficient and cost-effective use of energy in order to save money for Maine residents and businesses, grow the economy, and create jobs. Efficiency Maine’s energy-saving programs reduce the use of electricity and heating fuels through energy efficiency improvements and the use of cost-effective alternative energy. Efficiency Maine’s programs deliver Maine’s lowest-cost energy resource through a combination of technical assistance, cost-sharing, training, education and awareness programs.

Initially established in 2002, Efficiency Maine is primarily funded through the system benefit charge included in electricity rates, as well as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and various other funding sources. Each year, Efficiency Maine carefully evaluates the cost-effectiveness of its programs individually and as a whole. In 2010-2011, Efficiency Maine’s benefit to cost ratio was 2.58, meaning that every dollar spent generated 2.58 in lifetime economic benefits. In 2009, The Efficiency Maine Trust—consisting of a nine-person board of directors—was created to administer energy efficiency and alternative energy programs in Maine under the banner of Efficiency Maine. The Trust has responsibility for administering all of Maine’s non-transportation related energy efficiency programs.