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: Phillip Lindley, 207.287.1598, phil.lindley@maine.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2005
Maine PUC – Solar Energy Rebate Program
AUGUSTA, MAINE – Yesterday, July 5th, the Maine Public Utilities Commission initiated a rulemaking to develop rules for a solar energy rebate program. The program was created by legislation initiated by Governor Baldacci. Under the law, which becomes effective September 17, 2005, certain solar energy systems installed by qualified installers and installed after July 1, 2005, will be eligible for rebates to help reduce system cost. The Public Utilities Commission rulemaking will develop final program details to clarify how consumers can take advantage of the rebates. Consumers interested in purchasing systems before the rulemaking is complete should read the legislation carefully to ensure the systems they purchase meet all requirements of the law, and should save all documentation necessary to demonstrate that the system purchased complies. Full text of the law can be found on the Commission’s State Energy Program website at http://www.maine.gov/msep/.
The Notice of Rulemaking will be posted on the Commission’s website next week, July 13, 2005 (http://mpuc.informe.org/easyfile/, Docket Number 2005-400). The rulemaking process is to gather public comments to help the Commission design the best program possible. Written comments on the rule are encouraged and may be filed with the Commission’s Administrative Director until August 21, 2005. A public hearing will be held on the rule at the Commission offices on August 11, 2005.
Questions having to do with purchasing systems after July 1, 2005, but before the completion of the rule should be directed by e-mail to karen.bickerman@maine.gov, or people may call Denis Bergeron at 207.287.1366. Frequently asked questions will be posted on the State Energy Program website http://www.maine.gov/msep/.
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Releases may be found on our website at: http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/staying_informed/news/press_release.shtml
To arrange an interview with Chairman Adams 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.