Efficiency Maine today (Sept 12) recognized contractors and vendors who have made outstanding contributions to inspire Maine homeowners and businesses to invest in energy efficiency. Their activities include selling, installing, and servicing high-efficiency lighting, insulation, heating and cooling systems, refrigeration equipment, electric vehicles (EVs), and other upgrades that are promoted through the quasi-state agency's programs. Efficiency Maine also honored Heather Chandler, the owner and founder of a regional media company dedicated to inspiring and supporting sustainable lifestyles, with its Philip C. Hastings Award for significant contributions to Maine's economy and environment through exemplary efforts in the field of energy efficiency. The event took place at the Hilton Garden Inn Freeport, Maine.
More than 150 electricians, plumbers, heating system installers, insulation technicians, distributors, manufacturers, business owners, electric vehicle dealers, and other stakeholders, gathered for the recognition and to learn more about Efficiency Maine's progress and plans for continuing the transition to "beneficial electrification" in residential and commercial structures. Beneficial electrification is achieved where consumers switch from burning fossil fuels to using electricity, such as when switching from an old furnace or boiler to a new heat pump system, delivering lower energy bills and pollution reductions. The event also featured an overview of Efficiency Maine's three-year strategic plan for deploying state and federal funding to bolster existing and proposed energy efficiency initiatives.
Independent contractors play a critical role assisting Maine consumers to install energy upgrades. With the help of Efficiency Maine's rebates and educational materials, home energy upgrades are delivered by Residential Registered Vendors while energy improvements at commercial and industrial facilities are provided by Efficiency Maine's Qualified Partners. Efficiency Maine's EV program is supported by 86 participating car dealerships throughout the state, three of which also were recognized as the top sellers of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Efficiency Maine presented 25 contractors, vendors, and dealerships with awards for outstanding performance in selling and servicing energy-efficiency measures using financial incentives offered by the statewide energy efficiency administrator. These companies are among the more than 700 trade allies listed on the organization's website that meet Efficiency Maine's requirements to access available incentives.
For outstanding contributions in the category of Residential Programs in 2024, the Trust recognized:
- Bell Simons, Waterville
- Dave's World, Inc., multiple locations
- Evergreen Home Performance, LLC, Rockland
- F.W. Webb Company, multiple locations
- The Granite Group, multiple locations
- Horizon Homes, Westbrook
- Lowe's Companies, Inc., multiple locations
- Northeast Heat Pumps, Brunswick
- Seal It Insulation Systems, Topsham
- Valley Home Services, Inc., Hermon
For outstanding contributions in the category of Commercial Programs in 2024, the Trust recognized:
- Dave's Heat Pumps, Winthrop
- Do It All Dragon, Van Buren
- EcoHeat Maine, Norway
- F.W. Webb Company, multiple locations
- Hampden Electrical, Bangor
- Johnstone Supply, multiple locations
- Northeast Heat Pumps, Brunswick
- Ranor Mechanical, multiple locations
- Rexel USA, Inc., Biddeford
- SolarLogix, Belfast
- Warren Mechanical, Inc., Westbrook
- Wesco, Bangor
For outstanding contributions in the category of Electric Vehicle Program in 2024, the Trust recognized:
- Charlie's Auto Group, Augusta
- Lee Toyota, Topsham
- Rowe Ford, Westbrook
"Efficiency Maine's programs continue to benefit from the technical skill and marketing savvy of the independent contractors and sales personnel in Maine, and are especially fortunate to work with those we've recognized today," said Michael Stoddard, executive director of Efficiency Maine. "Their efforts are helping Maine realize a revolution in how we use energy and, in so doing, are leading the nation in the energy efficiency sector. We simply could not do this work without the support of these dedicated companies, their employees, and the countless others who contribute every day to helping transform Maine's homes and businesses into more efficient energy consumers."
The annual Philip C. Hastings Award was presented to Heather Chandler, the owner and founder of the Green & Healthy Maine HOMES magazines, the Green Home & Energy Show, and the SunriseGuide, LLC. The Award recognizes an individual or organization for significant contributions to Maine's economy and environment through exemplary efforts in the field of energy efficiency. The Hastings Award is named after the original director of state energy conservation programs when they were administered by the Maine Public Utilities Commission and celebrates his legacy by memorializing his extraordinary commitment to and leadership of energy efficiency programs.
Chandler has been educating Mainers about ways to reduce energy consumption, increase comfort at home, and protect the State's natural resources, while helping Maine's green economy grow and thrive for nearly 20 years. She serves on the board of directors for PassivhauseMAINE and the Maine Community Bank Charitable Foundation and is an advisory trustee of Portland Trails and the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust.
"I am incredibly honored to receive this award," said Chandler. "I'm delighted to join so many other organizations who are doing important work every day to help Mainers improve the health, comfort, and efficiency of their homes, as well as grow the adoption of electric vehicles and infrastructure across the state. There's never been a better time for Mainers to invest in efficiency and electrification, especially with the availability of generous state and federal incentives. I'm excited by the progress Maine is making and the impact it will have for generations to come."
"Heather has been an effective champion of energy efficiency in Maine for many, many years," said Stoddard. "We are always impressed by her thoughtful and enthusiastic coverage of energy issues through various media channels, and especially grateful for her careful attention to Efficiency Maine's programs and explaining the benefits of new energy technology to Maine consumers."
About Efficiency Maine Trust
The Efficiency Maine Trust (Efficiency Maine) is the independent, quasi-state agency established to plan and implement energy efficiency programs in Maine. Through its suite of nationally recognized programs, Efficiency Maine provides consumer information, marketing support, demonstration pilots, discounts, rebates, loans, and other initiatives to promote high-efficiency equipment and operations that help Maine's homes, businesses, and institutions reduce their energy costs and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The result is job growth, better grid reliability, improved energy independence, a stronger local economy, and critical progress toward meeting the State's climate change goals. Efficiency Maine is governed by a Board of Trustees with oversight from the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Visit www.efficiencymaine.com for more information.
Contact:
Kate Rankin, Director of Communications
Efficiency Maine Trust
207-512-5905
Kate.rankin@efficiencymaine.com
