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: Margie McLaughlin, 207.287.1365, marjorie.mclaughlin@maine.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2004
PUC
Drafts Home and Office Building “Energy” Regulations
Seeks public
comment and schedules public hearing
AUGUSTA, ME – The PUC today announced that it is seeking public comment on model building energy regulations that it is proposing for Maine. In accordance with a new state law, the Energy Code Act, the PUC’s draft energy standards establish efficiency and ventilation requirements for new residential buildings, as well as for many building additions, renovations and repairs. The draft regulations incorporate existing efficiency standards for commercial buildings. The purpose of the regulations is to improve the energy efficiency of Maine’s building stock.
The efficiency regulations address issues such as ceiling and wall insulation levels, basement insulation practices, and heating system efficiency. Ventilation standards address practices that influence indoor air quality. The proposed standards are similar to codes adopted in many other states. They must be approved by Maine’s Legislature before being adopted.
According
to PUC Chairman Tom Welch: “Last winter reminded us just how cold it can be in
Maine, and energy prices this winter may reach or even exceed last year's high
levels. Energy codes can ensure that
the energy we use is used efficiently, and that we spend less for the heat we
need. At the direction of the
Legislature, we are working to help Maine communities, builders and building
owners improve the performance of their buildings. If adopted by municipalities, the code we propose today will cut
Maine’s energy consumption, reduce our energy bills, safeguard our health and
benefit our environment.”
When finally adopted, the standards will serve as a model code for any municipality that decides to adopt an energy code. Under the law, municipalities are not required to adopt energy codes, but each municipality that does so must adopt the model code. Energy codes previously adopted by towns are grandfathered.
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The benefit of a model rule is that it ensures greater consistency in communities across the state. This makes it easier for builders who work in multiple towns, and should help to ensure the availability and affordability of any efficiency products necessary to comply with the rule.
Adds
Chairman Welch, “We want to improve the efficiency of Maine’s buildings, but we
recognize that any investments required as part of this rule should make sense
for Maine. For that reason, the rule
balances energy efficiency, occupant health, and cost, and gives builders and
owners some flexibility in how they meet these standards for individual projects.”
In
response to the law, a major issue the PUC is considering in this rulemaking is
whether the model code should include ventilation standards. These standards would cover fans and other
mechanical ventilation to ensure healthy indoor air. As buildings have become “tighter,” mold and air quality have
become problems, and many builders are already taking steps to become more
familiar with ventilation solutions, so the time may be right to include
ventilation standards in the model code.
Due to requirements in the Maine Manufactured Housing Act, the PUC anticipates that the model building energy code will not apply to modular or manufactured homes.
The
Commission, in a separate proceeding, is investigating building energy code
enforcement mechanisms and will report its findings to the Legislature in 2005.
Anyone
interested in submitting comments on the proposed rule may do so in writing
and/or at a public hearing. The
Commission encourages the public to submit written comments by October 1, so
they may be considered in advance of the public hearing on the proposed rule,
scheduled for October 6, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. at the Commission’s offices at 242
State Street, Augusta. Final written
comments will be accepted until October 27.
Comments
on the rule may be submitted by mail, or electronically by going to the PUC
website (www.maine.gov/mpuc) and
following the electronic filing instructions.
Information related to this rulemaking will be posted on the PUC website
at www.maine.gov/mpuc/2004legislation/buildingcodes.htm.
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For more information:
All PUC New Releases
maybe found on our website at: http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/newsreleases2003.htm
To arrange an interview with Chairman Welch or Commissioners Diamond or Reishus, please contact Phillip Lindley at 207.287.1598 or by e-mail at phil.lindley@maine.gov. The Commission’s website may be accessed through the Maine School and Library Network at all public libraries in Maine.