ACE advises: For many Maine small businesses, climate change can feel abstract — until a storm disrupts operations, energy costs spike or insurance premiums rise. The good news is that many climate-related measures are practical tools for risk reduction and long-term cost savings.
Efficiency Maine is often the most practical starting point for small businesses seeking cost control and risk reduction. Through its Commercial & Industrial Prescriptive Rebates, the program offers standardized incentives for common upgrades such as LED lighting conversions, high-efficiency HVAC systems, heat pumps, refrigeration improvements, and water heating equipment. In particular, program manager Satchel Toole notes the organization tries to be a “one-stop shop” for HVAC needs. Participating contractors and Efficiency Maine programs work together to streamline planning, equipment selection, and rebate coordination while maximizing savings. C&I rebates reduce upfront capital costs and accelerate payback periods, making energy upgrades financially feasible even for smaller operations. 
Efficiency Maine also offers C&I Custom Programs for more complex or large-scale projects — such as manufacturing process improvements or comprehensive building upgrades — where incentives are tailored to projected energy savings. By lowering overall energy consumption, businesses can stabilize operating expenses and reduce exposure to volatile fuel and electricity prices.
Coastal Enterprises Inc.’s Climate & Clean Energy Resource Guide is an excellent next step for businesses ready to take a broader look at climate risk. The guide compiles financing options, technical assistance providers, and state and federal incentive programs available to Maine businesses. It helps identify funding that can reduce the capital burden of resilience upgrades, clean energy installations, and efficiency improvements.
Climate planning is no longer just about environmental values. For Maine small businesses, it is about stabilizing costs, protecting assets, and strengthening long-term competitiveness. The tools are available — and increasingly, the smartest financial decision is to use them.
Carrie Green Yardley is an ACE board member, small business lawyer and member of Climate Work Maine’s sustainability counsel. For additional information, register for Climate Work Maine’s 2026 Summit, March 19 at Thompson’s Point in Portland. climateworkmaine.org/summit-2026