Maine entities get $284K in federal energy funds
Maine was among 11 states getting part of the $5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program grants, which were announced Sept. 15.
The grants aim to advance innovative approaches for local energy development that will reduce energy bills for consumers and businesses, reduce carbon emissions and increase the nation’s energy security, according to the announcement.
The Maine Governor’s Energy Office will receive the $284,022 grant and work with partners E2Tech and the Maine Technology Initiative.
“We hope the end product will support a robust state energy market and workforce, including products, services, and infrastructure related to renewables, efficiency, natural gas, transportation fuels, and other technologies,” Jeff Marks, executive directory of the industry group E2Tech, wrote in an email to the Bangor Daily News.
Marks also told the newspaper his group and the Governor’s Energy Office will consult with utilities, energy generators, heating companies, manufacturers, homeowners and others over the course of the next two years.
According to the announcement, the money for the Maine Energy Planning Roadmap project will establish a stakeholder-driven strategy to meet objectives in the 2015 GEO Comprehensive Energy Plan. Estimated impacts are a reduction of 30% in electricity use by 2020, a 30% oil reduction by 2030 and weatherization of 100% of homes and 50% of businesses by 2030.
The BDN also said the Governor’s Energy Office will participate in planning to boost offshore wind projects through a $592,683 award to New York.
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