Rebates for Energy Efficient Lighting
Efficiency Maine's Residential Lighting Program works with retailers and manufacturers to encourage the purchase of energy-efficient lighting by residential customers. The program offers a $2 instant rebate on Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and a $12 instant rebate on Energy Star-qualified qualified outdoor hardwired fixtures, indoor hardwired fixtures, torchieres, table lamps, floor lamps and hardwired ceiling fans with pin-based integrated light kits. Participating retailers will deduct the rebate amount at the cash register. Contact: Public Information Officer, State Energy Program, Efficiency Maine, PO Box 660, 10 Tanning Brook Road, Manchester, ME 04351; 207-287-6141; Fax: 800-334-7033; http://www.efficiencymaine.com/retail_programs.htm

$30,000 Low Interest Loan for Energy Improvements to Your Home
Maine's Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) provides low-interest loans to residents for energy improvements. Under HELP, the Maine State Housing Authority provides loans ranging from $2,800 to $30,000 at a fixed interest rate of 3.95% to homeowners. Eligible efficient technologies are: dehumidifiers, water heaters, furnaces, boilers, caulking/weather-stripping, duct/air sealing, building insulation, windows, doors, roofs, and home energy audits. Eligible renewable technologies are: solar water heat, biomass, and geothermal heat pumps. Contact: Maine State Housing Authority, 353 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330-4633; 207-624-5712; 877-544-3271; http://www.mainehousing.org/Documents/Brochures/Brochure-HomeEnergyLoanProgram.pdf

Numerous Rebates for Residential Energy Efficiency Programs
Northern Utilities (NU) offers two weatherization programs. Customers can receive rebates of 50% to 75% of the costs associated with purchasing and installing weatherization improvements, such as attic/wall insulation and air sealing. Homeowners are eligible for 50%, up to $1,500, and tenants can receive 75% of the cost, up to $1,500. Low-income customers are eligible to receive weatherization improvements at no cost. For smaller, "do-it-yourself" weatherization projects such as installing door sweeps, pipe insulation, and caulking, NU offers a $25 "Self Install" rebate. Northern Utilities' Partners in Energy Program offers up to $150 toward an in-home energy assessment. NU also offers rebates for high efficient space and water heating equipment. This program offers residential customers up to $1,350 in rebates towards the installation of qualified high-efficiency gas-fired space and water heating equipment. Eligible equipment includes furnaces, boilers, water heaters, thermostats, and windows. Also, NU is a sponsor of the state-wide Energy Star Homes Program, which provides various rebates and technical support for customers interested in building an Energy Star home. Contact: Northern Utilities, Partners in Energy Intake Center, 300 Friberg Parkway, Westborough, MA 01581; 800-232-0120; http://www.northernutilities.com/forhome/eneraudit.htm

Get $3000 in Solar and Wind Energy Rebate Program
In June 2005, Maine enacted legislation creating a rebate program for solar-energy systems installed at homes. An owner or tenant who purchases a PV system qualifies for a rebate of $2 per watt (AC), but with a maximum incentive of $2,000. An owner or tenant who purchases a solar water-heating system qualifies for a rebate that varies by the application and efficiency of a building. Maximum incentives for residential systems is: lesser of 30% of project cost or $2,500; and residential systems for Energy Star homes and Maine Home Performance homes: lesser of 35% of project cost or $3,000. Contact: Maine Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Program, 242 State Street #18 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333-0018; 207-287-3319; Fax: 207-287-1039; http://www.efficiencymaine.com/renewable_programs_solar.htm