Department of Economic and Community Development
Allocation: $8,000,000
Status: Active
Inadequate electricity supply is an obstacle for businesses looking to grow in many rural communities.
The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development is establishing two programs to improve electricity grid access for economic development projects in heritage industries and other sectors central to Maine's recovery, such as food systems, forestry, and manufacturing.
In the first program, the Department is collaborating with the Governor's Energy Office (GEO) to provide communities with technical assistance that helps characterize underutilized energy infrastructure and develop local plans for expanded economic activity based on those assets.
In the second program, the Department and GEO are collaborating with the Maine Technology Institute to offer grants for grid upgrades, such as the construction of new substations, with an emphasis on rural communities.
News & Resources
- 2/12/2024: Governor Mills Announces Nearly $6.5 Million in Maine Jobs & Recovery Grants to Upgrade Electric Grid and Support Rural Economic Development
- 9/20/2023: Governor Mills Announces $6.5 Million Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan Program for Electric Grid Upgrades to Support Rural Economic Development