Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announces weatherization,
energy funding for Maine
Stimulus
funding would help weatherize homes, develop clean energy, promote more
efficient appliances
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced this morning that Maine will be getting
an additional $26 million in federal funding to help weatherize Maine
homes and make other energy savings improvements.
"We have some of the oldest housing stock in the country," Pingree said.
"This money is going to make it possible for families to add insulation,
plug leaks and install more efficient heating systems. And this
weatherization work will create jobs right here in Maine. These
investments will save people money on their utility bills and put Mainers back
to work."
Maine will be getting over $16 million for the Weatherization Assistance
Program, which can help reduce heating bills for low and moderate income
families across the state
"I know what
it's like to try and heat an old and leaky house," Pingree said. "And what a
difference some caulk and insulation can make. Unfortunately those improvements
are out of reach for some Maine families, which is why this federal funding is
so badly needed."
Maine is also in line to get nearly $11 million for the State Energy Program,
which is administered by the Public Utilities Commission in Maine as part of
Efficiency Maine. Examples of existing
State Energy Program initiatives include
low-interest loans for energy conservation, installations by small businesses
and free energy audits for small businesses.
Maine is one of 13 states getting the weatherization funding and one of 6
states in line for the State Energy Program money.