Diversity in Energy Sources Provide Mainers Choices in Energy Cost

Augusta, Maine - With winter looming ever closer, it is time for Mainers to assess their home heating energy needs. On Thursday, September 13, 2012 the Director of the Governor's Energy Office, Ken Fletcher, will be discussing energy and the numerous home heating systems available to the public at the Bangor Hydro and Maine Public Service Company's Power Smart Maine Expo. The event will be held at the Spectacular Event Center at 395 Griffin Road in Bangor from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

The expo is a byproduct of LD 1864, one of Governor LePage's bills passed in the last legislative session, which streamlined utility project regulations and allowed utility companies to develop pilot projects that address heating issues and save their customers money. Due to this streamlined process, Bangor Hydro and Maine Public Service have developed these events to inform their customers of all the energy and heating options available to them, so that they may pick the most affordable heat source (or sources) that fit their needs.

"It is great to see the private sector taking the initiative to provide information to Mainers so they are able to make the choices that best meet their energy needs," said Governor LePage. "When the people of Maine are provided with all available options, they can take control of their energy future."

The expo, organized by Bangor Hydro Electric Company and Maine Public Service, is an event where Mainers can learn about, discover, and discuss the litany of energy information available to them. A variety of vendors will be on hand to discuss topics such as electricity rates, weatherization services, energy efficiency tips, electric vehicles, and heat pump technology.

"I believe mini split heat pumps are a great opportunity for Mainers to save on their heating costs," said Gerry Chasse, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bangor Hydro and Maine Public Service. "We're developing a Heat Pump Pilot Program to provide on-bill financing and rebates to help customers take advantage of this savings opportunity."

In addition to the Bangor event, a Power Smart Expo was previously held in Presque Isle on Saturday, September 8, 2012. Fletcher spoke at this event and held a question and answer session for a crowd of approximately 50 people, discussing energy policy, the energy sources available to Mainers, and Maine's energy future. "The LePage administration has been a strong advocate for market diversity in the energy field," said Fletcher. "It is encouraging to see the private sector reaching out to the public to provide them this useful and cost-saving information." For more information on the Power Smart Expo, http://www.bhe.com/data/pdf/PSMaineEXPO-Cust.pdf

For more information on Maine energy, including a current heating fuel price chart and a home heating calculator, which estimates total fuel costs for the winter, http://www.maine.gov/energy/