LD 1450 created incentives for homeowners to generate renewable energy; and LD 1075 sought incentives for communities to do the same. The final bill also calls for the Public Utilities Commission to arrange for a green power purchasing offer, enabling consumers to voluntarily pay higher rates to buy power from renewable sources.
“Maine has firmly established itself as a national leader in the creation of renewable energy,” said Governor Baldacci. “This bill expands our commitment to end our dependency on fossil fuels. The pilot program is an important tool to evaluate the potential of small scale, renewable power generation that can be put into the grid and used by other Maine homeowners and businesses.”
“This is another step that Maine is taking to end our dependency on oil, keep hard-earned Maine dollars here in the State and reduce carbon emissions,” said the Baldacci.
At the signing, the Governor recognized Representative Bruce MacDonald (D-Boothbay), sponsor of LD 1075; Representative Herb Adams (D-Portland), sponsor of LD 1450; various Legislators who supported the bills, including House Speaker Hannah Pingree and Senator Barry Hobbins, Co-Chair of the Utilities and Energy Committee; and many renewable energy-focused organizations and private companies.
