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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Whitefield

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St. George

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Wells

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Yarmouth

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South Portland

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Portland

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Owls Head

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Portland

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Westbrook

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Jess Dee Proctor

I was extremely pleased with the professionalism and quality of service that I received from the Evergreen team. I met Richard to discuss options for insulation. I knew immediately that I wanted to do business with them because he did not try to over-sell extra services that I did not need. Dave was the project manager. He was not only kind, but very respectful of my home. I would highly recommend this company.

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Bath

Evergreen has insulated two homes that we've owned now and both times we experienced exceptional service and craftsmanship. Our rep, Justin, went above and beyond answering questions and the installation team was attentive to every detail, including pulling out old poorly installed insulation and redoing a bathroom fan that wasn't up to current code. They also left the place spotless every day! Our home is already so much warmer this fall and we are looking forward to using less oil this winter.

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Falmouth

A thorough inspection of our (older) house and its energy needs. Competent and personable work crew.

Jacob Watson

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