Maine Public Utilities Commission

NEWS RELEASE

Maine Public Utilities Commission
242 State Street
Augusta, Maine 04333-0018
Website: http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/, Email: maine.puc@maine.gov
CONTACT: Nicole Clegg, 207-287-8519, 207-310-0123 (cell) Nicole.Clegg@maine.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2007

PUC and Office of Energy Independence Select Winners for Energy Saving Contest

Governor Baldacci presents 4^th -6^th grade students with awards

AUGUSTA, Maine – Today, the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s Efficiency Maine Program and Governor Baldacci’s Office of Energy Independence announced the winners for the fourth annual Energy Savings Tip Contest for 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th graders. Students submitted tips on how to save energy in either their home or school during Energy Awareness Month, last October. Winning tips include, “Use sensor lights in schools to save money, and switch to energy saving light bulbs that last longer and save energy.” The six winners come from the towns of Corinth, Cutler, Hallowell, Kennebunk, Kingfield, and Randolph.

“This contest gives our youth an opportunity to focus on what steps they can take in their home and school to save energy and reduce the related greenhouse gas emissions,” stated Governor Baldacci. “Energy conservation and greenhouse gas emissions are issues that have implications for generations to come and the earlier we get our students focusing on the issues and what they can do, the better the outcome will be for Maine.”

“Our Energy Savings Contest is an important piece of a broad effort to get Maine’s school children to focus on energy issues and what they can do to promote energy efficiency,” remarked, Kurt Adams, Chairman of the PUC. “From ensuring that new school construction is energy efficient to establishing “energy patrols,” students charged with promoting awareness in their class, we have taken an aggressive approach to engaging Maine’s young people in the discussion of energy conservation.”

The PUC’s Efficiency Maine High Performance School program provides grants for energy efficiency designs for new schools and construction and installation of energy efficient equipment, and the PUC’s Efficiency Maine School Energy Education Program provides support for energy education programs in Maine schools. Last year, more than 7,500 4^th -8^th grade students participated in energy education classes.

Energy Savings Contest Winners

4^th Grade

School tip: “Use sensor lights in schools to save money.” Brian Allen, Hall-Dale Elementary School, Hallowell

Home tip: “Switch to energy saving light bulbs that last longer and save energy.” Jane Carr, Sea Road School, Kennebunk

5^th Grade

School tip: “Keep the computer off if no one is using it.” James Rose, T.C. Hamlin Elementary School, Randolph

Home tip: “Insulate the hot water tank so the heat won’t get out and have to use more electricity to reheat it.” Jordan Drouin, Bay Ridge Elementary School, Cutler

6^th Grade

School tip: “Instead of running lights, just open the shades and get natural light.” Makayla Moors, Central Middle School, Corinth

Home tip: “Buying a refrigerator? Make sure the label says ENERGY STAR.” Gino Helm, Kingfield Elementary School, Kingfield

Efficiency Maine is a statewide effort to promote the more efficient use of electricity, help Maine residents and businesses reduce electricity costs and improve Maine’s environment. For more information on the contest or energy efficiency, visit the PUC’s Efficiency Maine website at www.efficiencymaine.com or call 1-866-ESMAINE.

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The Public Utilities Commission is committed to ensuring that consumers have access to safe and reliable service for public utilities and that the rates for these utilities are just and reasonable. PUC programs include Maine Enhanced 911 Service, Dig Safe, and Efficiency Maine.

To arrange an interview with Chairman Adams or Commissioner Reishus, please contact Nicole Clegg at 207.287.8519 or by e-mail at nicole.clegg@maine.gov. The Commission’s website, www.maine.gov/mpuc, may be accessed through the Maine School and Library Network at all public libraries in Maine.