State Provides Additional Funding for Mainers to Install Heat Pumps

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For Immediate Release:  Thursday, May 29, 2014 

Contact: Patrick C. Woodcock, Energy Office Director  (207) 441-0359 

  

State Provides Additional Funding for Mainers to Install Heat Pumps

Amendment to Fiscal Year 2015 ensures Mainers will have options to reduce their energy costs

 

AUGUSTA - Yesterday, the Board of Directors at Efficiency Maine voted to dedicate an additional $2.4 million annually to help Maine homeowners save on their heating bills.  Efficiency Maine Board member and Energy Office Director Patrick Woodcock proposed the initiative, which would devote $2.4 million for financial incentives to encourage Mainers to install energy efficient heat pumps. The funding increases the total amount dedicated to assist Mainers with their heating costs to $5.85 million.

“The financial challenge that many Mainers face simply to heat their homes is unsustainable for many families and is a barrier for economic growth. The initiative at Efficiency Maine to lower heating costs is delivering thousands of Mainers the opportunity to invest in modern heating systems as well as energy efficiency. The amendment today will bring stability to these programs and allow Mainers to invest in the modern technologies that will move Maine’s challenging energy situation forward.”

Rebates for heat pumps are one of the many financial incentives available to homeowners through Efficiency Maine’s Home Energy Savings Program (HESP). There are incentives and low interest loans for installing weatherization measures, as well as for more efficient heating systems. The program is supported through Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) revenues and was a collaborative effort between the Governor and the Legislature in 2013.

The new funding for heat pump incentives comes from reallocating funds historically used for electric efficiency incentives for lighting and appliances. Since the new residential program started in September, more than 3,621 households have utilized the new program to invest in energy upgrades that cut heating costs.  Since last September, Maine homeowners have purchased 1,817 ductless heat pumps, conducted nearly 2,000 energy efficiency upgrades, and installed almost 200 wood pellet and geothermal systems.

 

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