Green Power Purchasing

Program Overview

Implementing Sector State
Category Regulatory Policy
State Maine
Incentive Type Green Power Purchasing
Web Site https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/greenpower/
Administrator Maine Green Power
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Photovoltaics, Wind (All), Biomass, Hydroelectric, Municipal Solid Waste, Fuel Cells using Non-Renewable Fuels, Landfill Gas, Tidal, Wave, Fuel Cells using Renewable Fuels
Applicable Sectors State Government
Renewables % or Amount 100%

Summary

Residential Green Power Purchasing

 

Maine Green Power allows Maine electric customers to choose clean, local renewable energy for their home or business. When you sign up, you will see an additional line item charge on your monthly utility bill for participating in Maine Green Power. The Maine Green Power Program matches the purchase amount with Renewable Energy Certificates, or RECs, that are produced in Maine. For more information, or to enroll, visit here.

 

Government Green Power Purchasing

In 2003, Maine’s governor established a goal for the state government to buy at least 50% of its electricity from “reasonably priced” renewable power sources, paid for by energy conservation improvements in all state buildings. The goal was contained in the governor’s “Vision” for meeting Maine’s environmental needs. As of March 2007, Maine’s state government was purchasing 100% of its power from renewable energy resources. The state’s existing renewable energy portfolio standard accounts for 30% of this total. For the remaining 70%, the state is purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) from the Rumford Falls hydropower project in Rumford, Maine.

Furthermore, legislation passed in 2009 (LD 1075) requires that all electricity used in state-owned buildings must come from renewable energy and that state agencies may give preference to community-based renewable energy generators.

Authorities

Name 5 M.R.S. §1766-A
Date Enacted 2007 (subsequently amended)