The Serious Scoop on the Efficiency Maine Funding Debate

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The battle over the missing “and” continues, but several proposals suggest that it won’t end the way we reported it would on April Fools’ Day.

The debate began late last month, when Maine’s Public Utilities Commission voted 2-1 to slash energy-efficiency funding based on a strict reading of the 2013 Omnibus Energy Bill. There is bipartisan agreement that the missing “and” was a typographical error and that such a reading contradicts the Legislature’s intent, but no such agreement that a clean fix is the best solution.

Assistant House Majority Leader Sara Gideon (D-Freeport) has proposed a bill that would simply correct the typo and restore Efficiency Maine funding, and at least two Republican legislators have expressed their support for the clean fix.

But Governor Paul LePage has backed competing legislation proposed by House Minority Leader Ken Fredette (R-Newport) that would reinsert the missing word, while also creating a department of energy in the executive branch and giving the governor’s office more power over Efficiency Maine.

Both bills are working their way through the Legislature, so stay tuned. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for stray “ands” in the cellulose.

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Bath

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Peaks Island

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Bath

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Yarmouth

I never leave reviews, but had a great experience with Evergreen and wanted to spread the word! In short, we worked with them to insulate our roof this winter and have noticed surprising immediate results. The constant ice dams I have wrestled with are completely gone, and the home is noticeably more comfortable. It's a little too early to tell if our oil bill is going to reduce, but I imagine we will see an impact there as well.

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Portland

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St. George

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South Portland

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Rockland

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Damariscotta

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Belfast

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Owls Head

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Adrienne Harkavy

We just finished a large project air sealing and reinsulating our 1890s basement and attic. It had been completely renovated 8 years ago, but still felt cold, and lacked proper energy assessment and corrections. We met with Justin in December and were very impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and communication skills and knew Evergreen was who we wanted to work with. Dave was our on hands project manager and was excellent. The office staff has been quick to respond and helpful as well when needed.

E Gallant

Kennebunk

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