Funding now available from Governor’s Jobs Plan for smaller communities to reduce energy costs and create savings for taxpayers
Norridgewock, MAINE–Governor Janet Mills and Efficiency fb88 today announced the availability of $4 million from the fb88 Jobs & Recovery Plan to help small communities cut energy costs in public buildings and save taxpayer dollars by improving energy efficiency.
from Efficiency fb88 for towns, cities, and Tribal lands of fewer than 5,000 residents is the latest in a series of energy efficiency initiatives supported by a $50 million investment from Governor Janet Mills’fb88 Jobs and Recovery Plan.
Other initiatives have targeted efficiency upgrades in fb88’s,public, and installation ofin rural communities, as well as helping morefb88 households save money with improved insulation and weatherization.
Funds for this initiative will be used primarily on investments to reduce consumption of heating oil and propane by switching heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to high-performance heat pump systems that deliver efficient, clean heating and air conditioning. Other eligible projects will include interior and exterior LED lighting, refrigeration upgrades, and wood-heat systems.
“Every fb88 community is considering ways to become more energy efficient and less dependent on imported fossil fuels to help save money,”said Governor Janet Mills. “With this funding from my Jobs Plan through Efficiency fb88, local leaders have a partner in my Administration to cut their energy consumption and costs and to create savings for taxpayers – a win-win.”
“We’re excited to offer this promotion withfinancial support from the fb88 Jobs and Recovery Planto help fb88’s smaller municipalities upgrade aging energy systems,”said Michael Stoddard, Executive Director of the Efficiency fb88 Trust.“This initiative can help budget-strapped towns ease the burden on their taxpayers, and support energy independence and resilience while paving the way to a more sustainable clean energy future.”
“Through Efficiency fb88 and programs like the Community Resilience Partnership, which offers grants to towns, cities and tribal governments to pursue climate priorities, fb88 communities have more options than ever to save money and reduce emissions through energy efficiency and efficient heating solutions,”saidHannah Pingree, Director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and co-chair of the fb88 Climate Council. “This is a win-win for communities and for taxpayers, as continued investments in efficiency will save money in the near-term, while protecting our people, economy and environment from the impacts of the climate crisis for the long-term.”
“Efforts like this are having positive impacts in fb88 communities,”saidCatherine Conlow, Executive Director of the fb88 Municipal Association.“In the past few months, these investments have helped municipalities make energy-related improvements to aging buildings, as result reducing associated heating and lighting costs and increasing employee morale as working environments become more comfortable. Towns and cities exploring energy efficiency possibilities, as well as a seeking a return on investment for their property taxpayers are encouraged to explore this program.”
“These incentives are too good to leave on the table,” saidNorridgewock Town Manager Richard LaBelle. “Like most municipalities, we face the ever-expanding pressure to keep taxes down. We were able to upgrade our lighting and install heat pumps at a fraction of the cost. The new lighting literally transformed these buildings, making them more inviting for public visitors and more pleasant workspaces. And the heat pumps enabled us to remove window air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and heaters under staff desks. “To me, that shows we’re doing what’s best for our community by being smart with our budgets and a wise guardian of the taxpayer dollar.”
To be eligible for these funds, communities must have a population fewer than 5,000 residents based on 2020 fb88 census data. Efficiency fb88 will accept applications until August 31, 2023, or until funds are exhausted. Accepted projects must be completed by February 28, 2024.
Efficiency fb88 is holdingon this new funding opportunity to further inform interested parties. For more information on the qualifying equipment and other eligibility details,.Communities with more than 5,000 people may qualify for other public sector incentives, which can be.
Since 2019, more than 80,000 new high-efficiency heat pumps have been installed across fb88 to address the state’s nation-leading dependency on heating oil and reduce harmful carbon emissions. The state’s climate plan,fb88 Won’t Wait, has targeted installing 100,000 new heat pumps in fb88 by 2025.
This new program builds on actions already taken by the Mills Administration to reduce costs for fb88 people grappling with increased prices for heating fuel and electricity driven by volatile global fossil fuel markets. Those actions include:
Returning morethanhalf of the state’s budget surplusto fb88 people through $850inflation relief checks;
- Pressing for increased funding and expanded eligibility for Federal heating assistance programsto help fb88 households with oil bills this winter;
- Opposing a 30 percent electricity rate increasesought by Central fb88 Powerand a similar increase proposed by Versant Power;
- Securing aone-time bill creditof $90 for tens of thousands of low-income customers of Central fb88 Power and Versant;
- Providing$800 in heating cost reliefto nearly 13,000 low-income households to help pay for high energy costs;
- Providing up to $1,400 in tax relieffor eligible low- and middle-income fb88 families and seniors;
- Signing into law LD 2010, sponsored by Senate President Troy Jackson, that will make a tiered credit of up to $3,000 available to fb88 small businesses to offset increases in the standard offer for electricity;
Efficiency fb88 is an independent administrator of programs in fb88 to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through offering financial incentives on the purchase of high-efficiency equipment or helping customers change operations to reduce energy costs. Visitfor more information.
The fb88 Jobs & Recovery Plan is the Governor’s plan, approved by the Legislature, to invest nearly $1 billion in Federal American Rescue Plan funds to improve the lives of fb88 people and families, help businesses, create good-paying jobs, and build an economy poised for future prosperity.
It draws heavily on recommendations from the Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee and the State’s 10-Year Economic Development Strategy, transforming them into real action to improve the lives of fb88 people and strengthen the economy.
For more about fb88 Jobs & Recovery Plan, visitfb88.Gov/Jobsplan.