AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci today unveiled a new benefit available to Mainers who improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
“The Maine Home Performance program is open for business,” said Governor Baldacci. “All Maine homeowners are able to participate. By making eligible improvements in their homes, they can access rebates of up to $3,000 and save between 25 percent and 50 percent on their home heating bill.”
The program, administered by Efficiency Maine, is an important way to encourage Maine people to consider improving their homes to save energy. Last year the Legislature passed the Governor’s energy bill that set the goal to weatherize all Maine homes and half of Maine businesses by 2030.
There is no income limit to participate in the Maine Home Performance program. To qualify for rebates under program, homeowners must have an energy audit performed by a certified audit and improvements made must achieve at least 25 percent savings in heating and hot water fuel usage.
A full list of eligible improvements and eligibility requirements are found on Efficiency Maine’s web site, http://www.efficiencymaine.com/mainehomeperformance.htm
In addition, a toll free number is available at 877-334-6583, and 2-1-1.
The Governor was joined at the kickoff of the Maine Home Performance Program by Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree; Sharon Reishus, Chair of the Maine Public Utilities Commission; Dale McCormick, Director of Maine State Housing Authority; John Brautigam, Director of Efficiency Maine; Richard Burbank of Evergreen Home Performance, a qualified weatherization contractor; and a couple, Stuart Finkelstein and Jane Funk, from Warren who recently had their home weatherized by Burbank. The couple received a check from the Maine Home Performance program of $3,000.
Maine Public Utilities Commission Chair Sharon Reishus noted, “Many Maine homeowners would save significantly on their energy bill by implementing basic measures such as weather sealing, insulation, and basic steps to maximize the efficiency of the home’s heating system.”
The Governor said that Maine Home Performance program will also create jobs for qualified weatherization auditors, installers and retailers. The program is based on quality workmanship by certified professionals, generating real energy savings for every participating homeowner. In addition, carbon emissions will be reduced through the energy improvements.
“Dependence on unstable foreign energy is dangerous for our economy, environment and national security,” said Governor Baldacci. “There’s a better way. The resources that flow out of our State could sorely be used here at home, and that’s why my Administration has been aggressive in energy efficiency and renewable energy development. The Maine Home Performance program will help ensure Maine families stay warmer, safer and more economically secure.”
Earlier this week, the Governor announced $8.9 million in grants to energy efficiency projects in the industrial sector. Those grants will impact thousands of jobs and leverage more than $81 million in additional private sector funding.
For more information about the Maine Home Performance program, please call 2-1-1 or 877-334-6583, or visit http://www.efficiencymaine.com/mainehomeperformance.htm
