Today the Maine Public Utilities Commission voted to grant conditional approval for Central Maine Power (CMP) to upgrade a section of its transmission system near Roxbury, ME.

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Back in 2007 Governor John Baldacci visited Madison Paper Industries and listened to the companies concerns. Transportation and energy costs were major expenses that threatened the industries future. The Governor and his team recommended installing a biomass boiler, to save energy— and funds.

In January the company received a $357,000 grant from Efficiency Maine for a $25 million biomass boiler.

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Since you’ve been in office the state has developed and has begun to implement a comprehensive energy plan, which your director of the Office of Energy and Security, John Kerry, says will take the state 50 years into the future — to energy independence from fossil fuels. How is this connected with your work with the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers? Why is it important to work regionally on energy issues?

“Working regionally is one way that we have been able to progress the state’s energy goals.

“Maine is a part of the Northeast region of America, including Canadian provinces in Eastern Canada. When you look at it on the map, that’s access to 55 million people; it’s huge. It’s not a long extension line from the energy resources to the major population hubs on the East Coast. Maine by itself can’t supply all those needs, but Maine certainly can be a leader with our offshore and onshore wind technologies, our expertise, and other renewable energy resources. We can also lead by establishing interconnections to the Eastern Canadian provinces, collecting their electrical energy with ours to feed to the Northeastern markets.

“That’s why energy issues are important in the region. We are trying to make Maine the beachhead, with best practices established in these energy fields, with research conducted at the University of Maine and the Ocean Energy Institute.

“Others can talk about doing things; Maine is where it is happening.

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Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) has successfully generated grid-compatible power from tidal currents at its Cobscook Bay site in Eastport, Maine. Tests of a turbine off Eastport’s coast have met or exceeded forecasts.

“It’s a critical step to our first commercial unit that will be connected to the grid in little more than a year now,” said Chris Sauer, president of ORPC. “It’s a huge milestone for America’s ocean energy industry.”

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At the National Governors Association meeting held this summer was energy a topic of discussion?

“Energy was a focus of economic development at the conference. We discussed the importance of pursuing a clean-energy future, which will enhance the quality of life and place for our citizens, as it diminishes our carbon footprint. While clean energy is developed from our natural resources, we talked about the importance of keeping these resources sustainable for future generations. In Maine we want to grow ecotourism, expand value-added goods and energy opportunities, while protecting our natural resources.

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The State’s Home Energy Savings Program offered cash rebates up to $4,000 on weatherization retrofitting last summer. Add federal tax incentives of up to $1,500, and anyone could save $5,500 to weatherize their home.

“Preapproved weatherization projects that reduce fuel usage for heat and hot water by 25 percent are eligible for up to $1,500 in rebates, while those that achieve energy savings of 50 percent or more are eligible for up to $3,000,” said Michael Stoddard [right] executive director of Efficiency Maine Trust, during an energy event attended by federal and State officials, including Governor John Baldacci.

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At the Council of State Governments’ Eastern Regional Conference in Portland last August, energy issues were a hot topic.

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Today the U.S. Coast Guard raised a wind turbine in Southwest Harbor, to power electricity for their housing. The event marks a yearlong effort by the U.S. Coast Guard to implement various clean energy initiatives.

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“Next week, I’ll be traveling to Eastport to visit Ocean Renewable Power Company. The company is operating the largest ocean energy “power plant” ever installed in U.S. waters. The prototype machinery produces grid-compatible power from the tidal currents in Cobscook Bay.

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Six local weatherization agencies have been selected to receive $7 million to install solar hot water systems, hot water heat pumps, to replace inefficient washers with ENERGY STAR-qualified models, and to perform select heating system upgrades. Maine State Housing will monitor the program.

The new initiative was announced in mid-August on a press conference call with the Department of Energy’s Assistant Secretary Cathy Zoi, and Governor John Baldacci.

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