LEWISTON — A retail shortage of wood fuel pellets locally has less to do with a dwindling supply and more to do with a cold winter. Catherine Woodling, spokeswoman for The Home Depot, confirmed that her stores are having a difficult time keeping their shelves stocked with pellets for wood-burning stoves. “We are working with […]
energy
Posted inMaine
Advocates push bill to restore solar rebates for Maine
AUGUSTA — Solar energy advocates, state lawmakers and companies that install solar-energy systems said Tuesday that Maine should catch up with the rest of New England. The group, including the Natural Resources Council of Maine, touted a bill that restores a $2,000 rebate for those who install solar-energy systems. But state Rep. Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, […]
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Posted inMaine
As electricity prices rise, so do rate plans
With electricity costs on the rise and Maine’s supply standard offer scheduled to increase March 1, competitive energy providers — those companies that tout lower prices on your home’s power bills — are starting to adjust their rates. And, in many cases, adjust upward. Of the eight most popular residential competitive energy providers, known as […]
Posted inOxford Hills
Correction: SAD 44 loan, funds paid for project
BETHEL — A story about improvements at Telstar Regional Middle/High School published Thursday on Page B1 of the Oxford Hills edition and Page B3 of the River Valley edition should have said the project was funded by a low-interest loan and SAD 44 capital funds. It was an editing error.
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
New England governors ask for upgrages to energy infrastructure
AUGUSTA — The six New England states are requesting that the region’s power grid operator take action to diversify the region’s clean electricity portfolio and increase natural gas supply. ISO-New England administers the region’s energy market, including operation and maintenance of the physical infrastructure necessary to carry electricity to customers. Patrick Woodcock, director of Gov. […]
Posted inMaine
Bill pushes Maine to do more with solar energy; LePage takes shot at wind
AUGUSTA — Maine is lagging behind the rest of New England when it comes to generating electricity with solar power, and the state’s position has little to do with the climate. Lawmakers heard Tuesday that Maine gets 30 percent more sunlight each year than Germany, a European leader in solar energy. That’s why a bill […]
Posted inMaine
LePage continues effort to lower energy costs for Maine ratepayers
AUGUSTA — For the fourth year in a row, Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s administration is pushing to roll back or significantly change portions of Maine law aimed at boosting in-state renewable energy production. LePage says he wants to level the state’s energy-production playing field and open the door to cheap, renewable hydropower from Quebec and […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine governor candidates attack LePage on renewable policy push
LEWISTON – The leading candidates running against Republican Gov. Paul LePage said he is off course with his stance toward renewables. “Renewable energy is a strategic asset that Maine should look to expand, not undermine,” said Democratic challenger U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud. “Gov. LePage’s efforts on energy move us backward and threaten a growing industry […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Home electricity use in U.S. falling to 2001 levels
NEW YORK — The average amount of electricity consumed in U.S. homes has fallen to levels last seen more than a decade ago, back when the smartest device in people’s pockets was a Palm pilot and anyone talking about a tablet was probably an archaeologist or a preacher. Because of more energy-efficient housing, appliances and […]
Posted inMaine
Offshore wind project would add jobs, but cost hundred of millions
AUGUSTA — An offshore wind power pilot project for the Gulf of Maine could still cost the state’s electric ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars over the course of a 20-year power purchase agreement now on the table before the state’s Public Utilities Commission. The project, headed by the University of Maine, replaces a similar […]