Grants for Renewables

The Renewable Resources Fund is supported by voluntary contributions made by consumers on their electric bill.

The Fund provides money for small-scale community projects (as funds are available) that educate the community on the value and cost-effectiveness of harnessing natural resources for clean electricity. In 2009, the Fund awarded three grants totaling $99,095.

Eligibility

Maine-based nonprofit organizations that qualify under the federal Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c)(3), consumer-owned electric cooperatives, quasi-municipal corporations and districts, community based nonprofit organizations and community action programs using renewable energy technologies.

Past Projects

Efficiency Maine presented the University of Maine Presque Isle with a Voluntary Renewable Resources Fund (VRRF) grant of $50,000 for a wind power project which will save the University more than $100,000 annually in electricity charges.

Thanks to people like you, $365,000 was donated and awarded in 2007. Some of the other 2007/2008 Renewable Resources Fund grant awardees were:

LINCOLN MIDDLE SCHOOL – PORTLAND

$37,200 for a solar 3.5 kW photovoltaic array and 1 kW pole system for the school’s Geodesic dome.

OCEAN ENERGY INSTITUTE – VINALHAVEN PROJECT

$18,915 for the restoration of a historic tidal power dam on Vinalhaven Island.

DOWNEAST SALMON FEDERATION – EAST MACHIAS

$50,000 for a 6,000-Watt photovoltaic System, powering display aquaria at the new laboratory and teaching facility in East Machias.

For more information on the Renewable Resource Fund, contact Efficiency Maine.