EFFICIENCY MAINE RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY AT ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

(AUGUSTA) – Efficiency Maine will hold its Annual Energy Symposium today in Augusta to discuss the role of energy efficiency in meeting climate change goals and to celebrate Maine’s top performers in energy efficiency. U.S. Senator Susan Collins will offer the keynote address; the American Council on Energy Efficiency’s (ACEEE) Suzanne Watson will speak on national trends in energy efficiency. Efficiency Maine will also award the Philip C. Hastings Award to Bethel-based Rick Karg for his outstanding leadership in the field of building science and energy efficiency.

U.S. Senator Susan Collins will begin the event with a discussion of energy and climate change policy. Policy Program Director for ACEEE, Suzanne Watson, will continue the discussion of energy policy and provide a national perspective on the role energy efficiency plays. Efficiency Maine Staff will lead a panel discussion on energy efficiency investments made possible through revenues from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Analysis by Efficiency Maine has shown that on average, $6 will be saved through lower energy bills for every $1 of RGGI funds invested through Efficiency Maine programs. In the past three years, Efficiency Maine has invested $26.6 million of RGGI funds and leveraged $50.6 million in incremental private investment. Over the full lifetime of the upgrades installed with the help of these RGGI funds, Maine customers are expected to save $166.8 million through lower energy costs. The panel will discuss examples of cost-effective energy efficiency investments in the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors, including the increased use of process improvements in the manufacturing sector and ductless heat pumps in low-income households. The panel will also discuss the opportunity for energy efficiency in these sectors looking forward.

Efficiency Maine’s trade allies are instrumental in helping Mainers access cost-effective energy efficiency and are the drivers of the growing energy efficiency industry in Maine. This afternoon, Efficiency Maine will recognize several of these businesses for outstanding performance in connecting Maine businesses and homeowners with energy efficiency upgrades. Thirty businesses and organizations (listed below) will be recognized this year for their leadership in energy efficiency in Efficiency Maine Business Programs, Residential Programs, marketing strategies, and innovation in the marketplace.
Also, Rick Karg will be named this year’s recipient of Efficiency Maine’s Philip C. Hastings Award.

The Hastings Award is presented to an individual or organization that exemplifies the spirit of the late Phil Hastings, the Founding Director of Efficiency Maine. Phil is remembered for his extraordinary patience, sharp intelligence, and dedication to energy efficiency. To honor his memory, the Philip C. Hastings Award recognizes an individual or organization whose exemplary efforts have furthered Maine’s energy efficiency goals.

Karg will be honored for his work as a thought leader on building science, energy efficiency, weatherization, and indoor air quality. Karg is the author of multiple energy efficiency and building science studies, technical guides, curricula, and software; in addition, he has trained professionals in residential and commercial energy management for over 30 years including many of the energy professionals working in Maine. Karg has been a key figure in establishing the once nascent field of building science and is known throughout the industry for the breadth of his knowledge, extraordinary skill as a teacher, and great kindness.

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. For more information, visit www.EfficiencyMaine.com or call 1-866-376-2463.

Efficiency Maine recognizes these businesses and organizations for outstanding contributions to energy efficiency in Maine

Efficiency Maine Business Programs

Affinity LED Light, Dover, NH
A.H. Mackenzie Design, Portland, ME
Bangor Winlectric, Bangor, ME
Energize ME, Gorham, ME
Energy Audits, Ltd., Portland, ME
John W. Kennedy Co., Hampden, ME
Keeley Electrical Contractors, Portland, ME
Kennebec Electric & Lighting, Waterville, ME
SMRT Architects and Engineers , Portland, ME
Thayer Corporation, Auburn, ME
Wesco Distribution, Portland, ME

Efficiency Maine Residential Programs

Advanced Spray Foam, Benton, ME
The Breathable Home, Manchester, ME
Central Maine Heat Pumps, Benton, ME
Dave’s World, Dover-Foxcroft, ME
Don’s Stove Shop, Livermore, ME
Evergreen Home Performance, Rockland, ME
The Heat Doctor, Portland, ME
Horizon Energy Services, Portland, ME
Lowe’s Home Improvement, Mooresville, NC
Maine Alternative Comfort, Bangor, ME
New England Spray Foam Insulation, Portland, ME
Penobscot Home Performance, Brewer, ME
Pine State Services, South Portland, ME
Rook Energy Systems, Yarmouth, ME
Upright Frameworks, Wilton, ME
Valley Satellite & Heat Pumps, Patten, ME

Marketing

Central Maine Heat Pumps, Benton, ME
Dave’s World, Dover-Foxcroft, ME
Evergreen Home Performance, Rockland, ME
Optimal Energy Group, Sumner, ME
Penobscot Home Performance, Brewer, ME
Royal River Heat Pumps, Freeport, ME

Innovation

Grants to Green Maine

Philip C. Hastings Award

Rick Karg