How are Maines municipalities and counties responding?
Gov. Baldacci: Maine’s counties, cities and towns worked closely with the OEIS and the Utilities and Energy Committee to craft the legislation and were early advocates of the PACE approach. While any municipality may elect to establish a PACE program, there is no obligation to do so. But, by adopting a PACE ordinance, communities make it possible for Efficiency Maine to help finance energy efficiency improvements for their homes and buildings. Alliance: On the topic of stimulus funds: With the help of the Recovery Act, Maine has made big strides in weatherization in the past year. What can you share about this and other stimulus spending on energy efficiency? Gov. Baldacci: Maine has been recognized as a leader in its successful efforts to make energy efficiency improvements to Maine homes. We have some of the oldest housing, coldest climates and highest dependencies on imported heating oil in the country. Maine weatherized 30 percent of low-income homes under the DOE Weatherization As
