MPUC/Efficiency Maine’s Renewable Resources Fund awards $477,000 to 11 Maine organizations
December 1, 2009
Maine Public Utilities Commission
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Augusta, Maine—Efficiency Maine—a program of the Maine Public Utilities Commission—has just awarded 11 organizations up to $50,000 each for renewable electricity demonstration programs. “The great thing about these projects is that they will produce clean electricity, save taxpayers money and help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions--which contribute to climate change,” Commission Chair Sharon Reishus said. “The projects will help educate the local communities about ways to take advantage of alternative energy.” The grant money will go towards the purchase and installation of renewable energy equipment proposed by the individual organizations.
A request-for-proposals was released in August and the Commission received 32 responses on September 30th. Reviewers from the Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection evaluated and scored the proposals based on carefully developed criteria. The following eleven projects were ranked highest and will receive the awards listed below:
| |
Organization |
Project (kilowatts-kw) |
Actual Award |
| 1 |
Kennebec Valley Community College |
10 kw Wind |
$50,000 |
| 2 |
Camden Hills Regional High School |
8.0 PV |
$50,000 |
| 3 |
Falmouth School Department |
10.3 PV |
$45,265 |
| 4 |
Cumberland Greely High School |
8.3 PV |
$38,065 |
| 5 |
Cumberland County |
10.3 PV |
$47,265 |
| 6 |
Town of Freeport |
10.2 PV |
$44,552 |
| 7 |
Belfast Troy Howard Middle School |
10.3 PV |
$44,049 |
| 8 |
Town of Kennebunkport |
2.4 Wind |
$38,160 |
| 9 |
Thomas College |
8.3 PV |
$50,000 |
| 10 |
UMaine 4-H Camp, Bryant Pond |
10.3 PV |
$49,440 |
| 11 |
South Berwick Marshwood High School |
3.4 PV |
$20,861 |
*photo voltaics-solar
For each grant, the Renewable Resource Fund requires a five-to-one match from the sponsoring community. Established by the Legislature in 2000, the Fund is supported by voluntary contributions made by consumers in their electric bills. It provides financial support for small-scale demonstration projects designed to educate the community on the cost-effectiveness of harnessing natural resources for clean electricity. This year, the Fund also includes additional support from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by U.S. Congress in February.
The Maine Public Utilities Commission regulates electric, telephone, water and gas utilities to ensure that Maine citizens have access to safe and reliable utility service at rates that are just and reasonable for all ratepayers. Commission programs include Maine Enhanced 911 Service, Dig Safe, and Efficiency Maine.
Contact: Evelyn deFrees, 207-287-6141 evelyn.defrees@maine.gov
