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September 5, 2011

Price volatility and environmental concerns fuel interest in three energy industries

If the sound of the oil truck's diabolical beeping as it backs up to fill your business' tank has you pulling out your hair, read on. As the next heating season approaches, we find businesses across Maine that have switched from oil and its roller-coaster prices to one of three alternative heating sources transforming Maine's energy landscape: natural gas, wood pellets and solar.

At 30% to 50% cheaper to burn than oil, natural gas is enjoying a surge in popularity and investment, while solar and wood pellet systems have the advantage of using fuel readily available in Maine. The three alternatives aren't a good fit for everyone, and some require hefty upfront costs, but for the businesses we profile in the following stories, the investment is worth it for philosophical and practical reasons. The state may be plodding along on its long-term plan for energy independence, but these businesses are at its forefront.

Read more

Switching to solar | A select few embrace a long-term investment

Switching to wood pellets | Maine-made appeal rekindles nascent industry

Switching to natural gas | Investment rolls in amid clean-water worries

Switching to solar | A select few embrace a long-term investment

Switching to wood pellets | Maine-made appeal rekindles nascent industry

Switching to natural gas | Investment rolls in amid clean-water worries

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