News Release

www.efficiencymaine.com

Contact:

Susan Benson Tompkins, Marketing Manager 846-3714

Lighting Program Is “Bright Idea” Declares Businessman

Augusta, Maine -- (July 7, 2003) Kevin LaBree can tell you about the cost of lighting. As director of operations at Realty Resources, a Rockport-based business managing Denny’s restaurants that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, he buys a lot of light bulbs! And when Kevin heard about Efficiency Maine, a small business program that offers cash incentives to small businesses that purchase and install energy efficient equipment, he signed up immediately!

“I learned about Efficiency Maine while attending the Maine Restaurant Association’s annual banquet,” remarked LaBree. “The next day I called the Efficiency Maine office, logged onto the Web site and downloaded the applications. It was that easy.”

With the assistance of his electrician, Kevin identified the old antiquated lights that could be replaced with new T8s. The exit lights were replaced too. His long-term goal is to save energy and this program met his needs.

Efficiency Maine programs were launched this year by the Maine Public Utilities Commission. The Efficiency Maine Small Business Program is for companies with 50 employees or less and offers cash incentives for making a variety of energy efficient upgrades.

The dollars can be significant, up to $20,000 per business, and projects range from lighting and refrigeration to heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. Convenience stores, restaurants, laundromats, and manufacturers from Madawaska to York are some of the businesses that have already applied.

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“I encourage any Maine small business owner to visit our Web site or contact the Efficiency Maine program to learn how energy-wise decisions can impact their business’ bottom line,” said Linda Viens, Program Manager.

Visit Information is posted at www.efficiencymaine.com or call 866-376-2463 where business owners can to learn how to qualify for the program. The deadline is December 31, 2003.

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