Heat pumps

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin terminated $20 billion in clean energy funding this week; Efficiency Maine will lose $15 million in promised funds

The Office of the Public Advocate is calling for ratepayers who enrolled in incentivized savings programs to double check they're receiving the intended lower rates.

Just two years of Mills' term remains as her administration races to cement its climate legacy.

The percentage of Maine homes burning heating oil has steadily declined since the governor made heat pump adoption a cornerstone of her climate plan.

The money, from the federal Inflation Reduction Act, will help income-eligible mobile home owners and affordable housing developers purchase and install heat pumps.

The funds will accelerate a Maine pilot program that has installed and tested whole-home heat pumps inside more than 60 mobile homes so far. The new grant will cover the installation costs for up to 675 additional mobile homes.

Maine has agreed to develop new energy efficient building codes that support electric vehicles and solar, as part of a new plan from the U.S. Climate Alliance.

The rates will apply to Mainers charging electric vehicles, using heat pumps, or charging batteries at off-peak hours.

The new rate schemes are optional. Maine households and businesses can opt in if they want to participate, and they will not result in any additional costs for other ratepayers, state officials said.

Eligible customers would contact their utility to request the lower rates. The rates will apply to residential, commercial, and large business customers. Some of the rates could take effect as soon as October.