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.
“We’ve been aggressive about trying to achieve energy independence. Our goal is to weatherize all homes and half of our businesses by 2030. We’re off to a good start with the help of recovery act funds,” said Governor Baldacci. “It’s an important goal because we know that conservation is the most cost effective way to reduce our dependence on oil. By investing in weatherization we can help families keep more of their hard earned money, create good jobs and reduce the amount of pollution in our environment.”
The Governor was chosen to speak to reporters nationwide because of his leadership and experience in weatherization and clean energy efforts.
“Maine has been a leader in weatherization and clean energy for some time. It’s a great model for other places,” said Zoi. “The state is certainly a stand out in this country, where vision meets practical reality. The work gets done well and is consistent with the Governor’s weatherization goals. It’s worthy of replication across the nation.”
This is the first time recovery act funds have been allocated to install renewable energy systems and cutting-edge energy efficiency technologies in homes to help low income families save even more on their energy bills.
Maine’s local agencies that will contract the work are:
Aroostook County Action Program, based in Presque Isle
Community Concepts, Inc. (CCI), located in South Paris
Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, based in Waterville
Penquis Community Action Program (PCAP), located in Bangor
Waldo Community Action Partners (WCAP), based in Belfast
Western Maine Community Action (WMCA), located in East Wilton
Each of the selected organizations across the nation has already met their milestone of weatherizing 30 percent of their total production goal and spending 30 percent of their Recovery Act funds. Maine is ahead of schedule.
“Maine has weatherized over 2,000 homes with Recovery Act funds,” said the governor. “That’s about half of what we have planed to do with the funds.”
Maine was the only state in New England to be awarded the top amount of $7 million. Six states in all were given $7 million.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Ramona Du Houx // Aug 25, 2010 at 1:20 pm
I forwarded this info to Community Concepts in South Paris who had no knowledge
of this when I called them. Received a call today that (voila) they had just
found out about program and it would take a month for guidelines, etc. and they
would call me then. But the lady was very nice and apologetic I guess I’m a
fan of this website now. Thanks very much.l
—– Original Message —-
From: “duhoux2@tds.net”
To: Lucille Snow
The funds won’t be available until Sept. so I’m sure the agencies aren’t
aware of the program yet. The funds will first go to Maine Housing, you
could check there.
Feel free to post this- others may have the same question.
This is word for word from the White House press release:
Maine: Six local weatherization agencies have been selected to receive
nearly $7 million to install solar hot water systems, hot water heat pumps,
replace inefficient washers with ENERGY STAR-qualified models, and perform
select heating system upgrades. The local agencies are:
o Aroostook County Action Program, based in Presque Isle
o Community Concepts, Inc. (CCI), located in South Paris
o Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, based in Waterville
o Penquis Community Action Program (PCAP), located in Bangor
o Waldo Community Action Partners (WCAP), based in Belfast
o Western Maine Community Action (WMCA), located in East Wilton.
On 8/23/10 10:44 AM, “Lucille Snow” wrote:
Name: Lucille Snow
Subject: replacing inefficient washing machines
Message: re article 8/19/10 by Ramona Du Houx on $7M for Maine for new energy program.
I called both Community Concepts and Efficiency
Maine for information on replacing inefficient washing machines and
neither has heard of the program. Can you provide a name and phone no. for me to contact. Are you sure that this replacement and not rebates? Thank you.
2 Lucille Snow // Oct 27, 2010 at 7:31 am
just thought you’d like to know that no one called me and they are not answering my email. Can’t find any info on this program except what you have written. That’s okay. My old machine is still working.
Call again, to any of the agencies listed. They will help. Because it is new, not all employees know about it. You can get a new machine… It is worth it!!
3 Lucille Snow // Nov 22, 2010 at 11:15 am
Community Concepts called today.
They expect to receive info on this program 1st of year. I’m still on the list and they said they would contact me. Very nice personable lady.
Great to hear!! Please let me know how it all goes.
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