Skip First Level Navigation | Skip All Navigation

Home > News, Calendar & Live Audio

Governor Announces Energy Tips Contest

September 26, 2008

Maine Public Utilities Commission

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 24, 2008

GOVERNOR CALLS ON STATE’S SCHOOL CHILDREN FOR ENERGY TIPS

Augusta, ME –- October is Energy Awareness Month and to kick it off, Maine Governor John Baldacci is calling on the State’s school children to be leaders in efforts to conserve energy. The Governor’s Office of Energy Independence and Security and the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s Efficiency Maine program are sponsoring the sixth annual Energy Saving Tips Contest for students in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. Governor Baldacci is encouraging students to submit one or two tips on how to save energy in their homes or schools. He will present the winners with a solar-powered iPOD Shuffle at a special award ceremony in December. “We want to inspire students to talk about saving energy in their homes and schools, and also learn how simple changes can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” the Governor said. “The earlier we get our students focused on these issues and what they can do, the better the outcome will be for Maine and the world. Their children and grandchildren will be living with the consequences of energy decisions made now,” the Governor added. Winning suggestions in prior contests have ranged from “Don’t use lights when it is sunny because the sun will light the room,” from Josie Ford, a fifth grader at Bangor Christian School, to “Use sensor lights in schools to save money,” from Brian Allen, a 4th grader from Hall-Dale Elementary School in Hallowell. “Maine’s students are enthusiastic about energy efficiency; they get it,” said Sharon M. Reishus, Chairman of the Maine Public Utilities Commission. “This contest is a way to channel their creativity and help raise awareness among Mainers about simple steps to reduce energy consumption.” To help students come up with ideas for the contest and to learn about the “energy hogs” found in most homes, they can visit http://www.energyhog.org/childrens.htm. Contest entries must be postmarked by Friday, October 31st to:

Joy Adamson Efficiency Maine Educational Program Manager Maine Public Utilities Commission 18 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0018

Entries must include the student’s name, the school’s name, school address, teacher and grade level. There are two entry categories: 1) Tips For Saving Energy In Your Home; and, 2) Tips for Saving Energy at Your School. Winners will be chosen on Friday, November 14th. The Governor will present the awards in December. Efficiency Maine is a statewide program of the MPUC that promotes more efficient use of electricity, helping Maine businesses and residents reduce energy costs, and improving Maine’s environment. For further information on the contest, contact Joy Adamson at (207) 287-8350 or at joy.adamson@maine.gov.

#

The Maine 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. M PUC programs include Maine Enhanced 911 Service, Dig Safe, and Efficiency Maine.