Press Release

www.efficiencymaine.com

Contacts:

MPUC: Linda Viens, Program Manager, (207) 287-7327

Efficiency Maine: Susan Benson Tompkins, Marketing Manager, (207) 846-3714

Maine First State to Print and Distribute Free National Energy Guide

Augusta, MAINE (March 15, 2004) You will consume 75 percent less electricity by switching from incandescent to compact fluorescent bulbs, which will result in significant savings of energy and ultimately, money. To a small business owner, that’s valuable information to have in hand when making business decisions about upgrading energy systems or looking for ways to reduce electricity costs.

Thanks to the State of Maine’s Public Utilities Commission and the Maine Small Business Development Centers, information about wise use of electricity is now available - free of charge - to any Maine small business owner by calling Efficiency Maine toll free at 1-866-376-2463.

The guide, Energy Efficiency Pays: A Guide for the Small Business Owner was conceived at the national level by a coalition of energy-efficient groups in collaboration with the Association of Small Business development Centers. However, in order to get this helpful guide to its intended audience, printing funds needed to be provided at the state level. The MPUC and the Maine SBDC partnered to be the first in the nation to print and distribute the guide to small business owners throughout Maine.

“Energy-saving tips and valuable resources fill the pages of the Energy Efficiency Pays guide,” remarked Efficiency Maine Program Manager Linda Viens. “Small business owners across Maine will find helpful suggestions and real-world solutions to saving both electricity and money.”

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Legislative members of the Joint Standing Utilities and Energy Committee and the Business Research and Economic Development Committee received a copy of the guide, courtesy of the MPUC and Maine SBDC. “We envisioned senators and representatives sharing this information with residents in their districts, and that’s exactly what happened,” said Jean Casey, Business Counselor and Efficiency Maine Coordinator for the Maine Small Business Development Centers. “Representative Donald Berry and Representative Herb Adams requested additional copies that they shared with their constituents, and we’re anticipating other legislators will do the same.”

Written in layman’s terms, the 45-page booklet is packed with resources, energy-saving tips and descriptions of lighting, refrigeration, heating and air conditioning facts designed to reduce energy consumption. Small business owners can contact the Efficiency Maine Small Business Program for a free copy of the guide; supplies are limited.

Efficiency Maine’s Small Business Program offers information about energy efficient electric products and cash incentives on qualified lighting, HVAC equipment, LED and solid-state exit lights, refrigeration, NEMA PremiumÔ energy efficient motors, and system controls.

The Small Business Program is one of several programs offered by Efficiency Maine, which was launched by the MPUC to promote efficient electric use, help lower overall electricity costs for Maine ratepayers, and improve the environment. Visit www.efficiencymaine.com or call 866-376-2463 to learn about the program.

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