Maine Named Most Improved in ACEEE 2013 Energy Scorecard

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After falling an embarrassing 13 spots last year, Maine rallied to #16 in the ACEEE’s 2013 State Energy Scorecard, earning a “most improved” rating from the non-profit organization.

The annual report, which ranks states on the depth and breadth of their policies and programs to promote energy efficiency, attributed Maine’s rise to the Omnibus Energy Bill passed last June over Governor Paul LePage’s veto. The legislative action returned full funding to Efficiency Maine and restored Maine nearly to its previous ranking.

Among other things, adequate funding allows Efficiency Maine to offer up to $1500 in rebates to homeowners who work with approved energy advisors and contractors like Evergreen Home Performance to complete certain energy efficiency measures.

“Mainers have always valued energy efficiency,” said Evergreen’s founder and president, Richard Burbank, “and Efficiency Maine’s rebates and loan programs make it easier for them to invest in insulation and air sealing projects. Those improvements make a difference for individuals, who gain more comfortable homes and save money on heating fuel, and they also make a difference for the state as a whole by controlling energy needs, creating jobs, and reducing environmental impacts. ACEEE’s report reflects that.”

ACEEE also reports that:

  • Massachusetts held on to the top spot for the third year in a row, earning 42 out of a possible 50 points.  California, New York, Oregon, and Connecticut rounded out the top five spots, and ACEEE calls the group “truly leading states.” This is the first time Connecticut has placed in the top five since 2009.
  • Mississippi, Kansas, Ohio, and West Virginia joined Maine as the most improved states, thanks to strides in many policy areas.
  • Twenty-six states have adopted and adequately funded an Energy Efficiency Resource Standard, which sets long-term energy savings targets and drives investments in utility sector energy efficiency programs.

Of course, there’s room for improvement in even the more conscientious states.  Here are ACEEE’s top recommendations for all states:

  • Adopt and fund an energy efficiency resource standard.
  • Update building energy codes and get utilities involved in energy code compliance.
  • Reduce tailpipe emissions and set targets to reduce vehicle miles traveled.
  • Treat combined heat and power as an energy efficiency resource equivalent to other efficiency resources.
  • Fund state government led efficiency incentive programs; set policies that benchmark building energy use; and invest in energy efficiency research and development and demonstration projects.

You can download the full ACEEE report here, then contact Evergreen Home Performance to learn how Efficiency Maine’s rebates and loan programs can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Contact us today to learn more!

207-594-2244

Evergreen did a fantastic job replacing 28 windows in our house. They were friendly, courteous, and very detail oriented. Brian did a great job planning, estimating and executing the project. Our energy use has dropped significantly since the work was done.

Alex B.

Kittery

I cant say enough about this company and the benefits that it created for our family. They are very professional and have effectively re-insulated our home. The heating bill proves the point.

Bob O.

Springvale

Working with Evergreen was a dream! Professional, knowledgeable, and super clean work. Communication was fast and service impeccable. The bedroom floors in our 1960's split ranch will be warm with the new insulation between them and the garage. Bring on the snow! (not really, but sort of)

Jess Dee Proctor

Highly recommended. Our heating usage is now less than half what it was before we had our roof insulated. Evergreen was knowledgeable, friendly, and left no trace they were ever in our house. Not only is our heating bill much lower now, but our home is generally more comfortable year-round with less temperature fluctuations. Money well spent.

RC Lations

Evergreen is the "go-to" company for improving the efficiency of your home. There are others to choose from but none so effective, honest, and capable as Evergreen. They did a great quantity of dense packing cellulose to improve our home (both for energy efficiency and for sound insulation) and it was totally successful. They are on-time, helpful, and caring. They clean up to a level that can't be over emphasized. This was the second time we employed them and we'd use them again if the opportunity came. You'll not be sorry to select Evergreen.

Dirk F.

Belfast

Evergreen did everything they said they would and more. I actually don't mind going into the basement now since they sealed it. The air quality in the house is noticeably better and it's warmer in the winter. We can even store clothing down there where before, whatever was in there would mildew. Even the spider population declined! I used to vacuum so many of them from the corners of the ceilings in the house. Not any more!

Loriel Van Dusen

We had a fantastic experience working with Evergreen to insulate our roof this winter. Everyone was extremely friendly throughout the process - the crew at our home worked hard, were approachable with questions, and the team leader even showed me around the project to point out specific areas they were working to improve.

Joel Wentz

The team members were very professional, worked very hard, paid very close attention to detail and cleaned up meticulously every day. I really appreciated the care they took knowing the smallest details were going to make a big difference to our heating bills. Thank you!

Pam B.

Brunswick

Nothing but good things to say. The guys that came and did the actual work were extremely nice and did a great job. The energy audit was thorough and I was presented with multiple improvement options, I was even given ideas for improvement that Evergreen didn't offer. I never felt like I was being "sold".

Ryan Adams

Evergreen was so helpful in securing us Efficiency Maine funding for a big attic insulation project early this winter. They did all of the paperwork, and totally guided us through a vermiculite removal process that included a payment from a trust for the procedure. I could instantly feel the second floor being so much warmer than before. The boiler does not kick on nearly as frequently since they completed the job. It was worth every penny! Brian Robinson was so thorough throughout the whole process including a full walk through after the job had been completed.

Todd W.

Camden

Thanks Evergreen Home Performance for helping to make our home more efficient. Many thanks as well to Bryan for the initial walk through and recommendations to make our home more efficient and to Dave, Roland, and Jacob for a job that was done professionally and courteous.  We were amazed at the level of efficiency and everyday they made sure to protect our floors, carpets, and furniture. We had daily discussions with Dave about progress and what was being done and where they were at in the project.

Carol Fink

Several years ago Brian Robinson evaluated the crawl space at my summer home on Islesboro where I knew moisture was becoming a problem. I had done quite a bit of work in the space many years prior with mixed results. When Brian offered some suggestions, they were ideas that incorporated work previously done, and would be a relatively low cost effort to improve the situation. He offered this advice over several phone conversations of some length, informally, and at no charge.

Cliff R.

Islesboro

We had Evergreen energy do blow-in cellulose. I was very happy with the result. They tested with blower-door before and after. House is now MUCH warmer. Also, in the time since when I've had to open walls for various access, I've been impressed with how they got the insulation packed in everywhere. I'd use them again.

Noah

Peaks Island

From beginning to end – that is from the moment Justin McEdward stepped into our home to assess our energy conservation needs until the crew left – the Evergreen Home Performance process went absolutely smoothly. Justin made a thorough inspection and took pictures with an infrared camera. His proposal described the scope of work in detail, and he explained what we could expect the proposed work to accomplish. Our proposal was forthcoming within a couple of days, and Justin was available to discuss it and answer questions.

Adrienne Harkavy

Last week, my oil company asked if we were using some other kind of fuel because our usage was so much less than they had expected We are very happy with the results; the house is much more comfortable

Steve T.

St. George

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