Region 1: EPA New England

Maine Communities Providing Leadership on Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy

By Robert W. Varney March 4, 2004

CT | ME | MA | NH | VT Archive

Mainers have always been known for their independence, starting more than 200 years ago with the American Revolution. Today, another revolution is sweeping the state, as Maine communities declare their independence – from expensive, polluting, energy sources.

From efficient lighting in schools in Fort Fairfield and Van Buren to natural gas-powered buses in Portland numerous communities are on a mission to dramatically reduce energy consumption, while boosting their reliance on clean and renewable sources of energy.

Spurred by the prospect of large savings on energy bills and growing citizen interest in less-polluting energy sources, communities are looking where energy dollars are being spent and where savings can be found in buildings, treatment plants, transportation, even trash disposal. Meanwhile, less polluting fuel sources such as biodiesel and wood-chip power facilities are also gaining momentum across the state.

These municipal programs are great news for New England’s environment because they are reducing the region’s reliance on fossil-fuel power plants, which emit greenhouse gas emissions as well as other pollutants that cause elevated smog levels, acid rain, and mercury deposition. They’re also great news for taxpayers because they are saving money at a time when municipal and school budgets are razor-tight.

Backed with technical and financial assistance from state and federal agencies, which have significant grants available for energy efficiency programs, towns are already realizing the benefits of clean, efficient projects. Some highlights include:

• Two school buildings in Fort Fairfield and Van Buren have replaced old lighting fixtures with modern high efficiency lights. In addition to better lighting for children and teachers, the two schools are saving about $18,000 a year on their energy bills. With one-time costs of $27,000, the school districts are getting tremendous return on their investments.
• With the help of state grants, communities across the state are switching town-maintained stoplights to energy-efficient light emmitting diode (LED) models. They’re in the process of converting more than 285 intersections, saving an estimated 3.6 Megawatt-hours per year per intersection. Statewide, the switchovers are expected to eliminates 2,000 pounds of smog-causing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions; 7,500 pounds of acid-rain causing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions; and 826 tons of greenhouse gas carbon emissions.
• The Saco Wastewater Treatment Plant has seen an 11% drop in electricity use in three years after adding new variable frequency drives on all pumps and blowers and committing to installing only energy efficient devices in all replacements at the facility.
• The Wiscasset school district has run a school bus on lower polluting and renewable biodiesel fuel for over 3,000 miles, and is looking to continue and expand the program.
• In Portland, the Public Works department has changed nearly all the light bulbs in city buildings to modern electronic ballasts, added timers and other controls, and added energy saving devices in all their renovations. In addition to reducing the non-oil energy bill for the town buildings by 11%, the changes have created significant personnel savings and improved morale because with long-lasting bulbs maintenance workers don’t have to interrupt important projects to change light bulbs as often.
• The City if Westbrook, using the first grant of its kind from Efficiency Maine, added energy efficient lighting and controls to a renovation of the 1974-era Congin School. The renovation increased natural light to the school, added modern efficient lighting, and even included computer controls to reduce overhead lighting when natural sunlight increases inside during the day. The result will be not only $10,000 in annual savings, but a much improved learning environment for Westbrook’s children.
• The Greater Portland Transit District has committed to replacing 21 of the 25 METRO buses with buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) instead of diesel, eliminating over 600 gallons per day of diesel fuel and the attendant high-pollution diesel exhaust. Additionally, several other private and public fleets are interested in using the CNG fueling facility, replacing an additional estimated 100 gallons of diesel and 400 gallons of gasoline each day.

From land use, to transportation to building construction, local governments have major influence and control over energy consumption patterns in this country. That’s why the examples above are so important. In addition to providing immediate tangible benefits, they serve as models that other communities can replicate.

Robert W. Varney is regional administrator of EPA’s New England Office in Boston. For more information about energy efficiency programs, including the agency’s Energy Star program, visit www.epa.gov/ne/topics/envpractice/eefficiency.html. For more information on energy saving programs for municipalities in Maine, see www.efficiencymaine.com