Maine
Public Utilities Commission
NEWS RELEASE
Maine
Public Utilities Commission
242 State Street
Augusta, Maine 04333-0018
Website: http://www.state.me.us/mpuc/,
Email: maine.puc@maine.gov
CONTACT: Linda Viens, 207.287.7327, linda.viens@maine.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2003
Small Business Program
Provides Incentives for
Energy Efficient Equipment
Helps Maine
Residents and Businesses Reduce Energy Costs
AUGUSTA, MAINE – The Maine Public Utilities Commission today announced the launch of the Efficiency Maine Small Business Program to increase information about, and the use of, energy efficient electric products. This program is the latest initiative from Efficiency Maine, a statewide effort to promote the more efficient use of electricity, help Maine residents and businesses reduce energy costs, and improve Maine’s environment. Efficiency Maine is funded by electricity consumers and administered by the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
Starting today, the Efficiency Maine Small Business Program will be offering information about energy efficient electric products and offering incentives on qualified lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, as well as LED and solid-state exit lights, energy efficient motors, and system controls.
Small Businesses located in Maine and having 50, or fewer, employees are eligible. Incentives will be available up to $10,000 per project and $20,000 per participant.
Almost any business can find a way to increase their energy efficiency by taking advantage of opportunities in lighting, controls, or other equipment. The program will make available up to $400,000 of incentives for equipment installed by December 31, 2003.
Tom Welch, MPUC Chairman explained, “An important part of our efficiency program is to develop the network of contractors and dealers who install and sell efficient products. This program in particular should help small businesses throughout the state – even those who do not participate directly in the program – to find the tools and products they need to increase their efficiency and profitability.”
Training for Program Allies, including suppliers, contractors, and installers will be available through the Maine Small Business Development Centers. Program information is available through the Efficiency Maine Web site, www.efficiencymaine.com, as well as a toll free number 1-866-376-2463. L. K. Goldfarb Associates of Portland was selected to administer the program, and Vreeland Marketing of Yarmouth will handle marketing and public relations.
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For more information on Efficiency Maine’s other electric energy efficiency programs, or to get involved in the development of on-going efficiency programs, contact the MPUC at 287-3831 or toll-free at 1-866-376-2463 or visit the MPUC Web site at http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/electric_conservation/electricconservation.htm
All PUC News
Releases may be found on our website at: http://www.state.me.us/mpuc/newsreleases2003.htm
To arrange an interview with Chairman Welch or Commissioners Nugent or Diamond, please contact Phillip Lindley at 207.287.1598 or by e-mail at phil.lindley@maine.gov. The Commission’s website may be accessed through the Maine School and Library Network at all public libraries in Maine.