Getting smart about energy.

• Position: PROGRESS REPORT - Energy efficiency programs of Conservation Law Foundation of New England

THE PROBLEM

For the past two years, Maine Governor Paul LePage and his appointees on the Public Utilities Commission have deliberately tried to undercut the state's money-saving energy efficiency programs. A legislative directive requires the Commission to fund Efficiency Maine Trust - the entity formed to provide low-risk, high-reward efficiency resources to families and businesses in the state--at a level that maximizes savings for all electricity customers. However, it's no secret that saving energy is also good for the environment, because it cuts greenhouse gas emissions. The LePage administration seems determined to undo anything that might be perceived as helpful for the environment, to the economic detriment of the families and businesses he claims to champion.

CLF IN ACTION

CLF has worked to promote and protect efficiency programs across New England for years. Managing demand for electricity is the cleanest and cheapest way for New England to meet its energy needs. Energy efficiency programs cut the overall demand for electricity--by helping families and businesses switch to LED bulbs or Energy Star appliances, for example.

Every $1 spent on energy efficiency yields between $2 and $3 in savings that are felt at all levels of the economy. Costly infrastructure investments such as new transmission lines can be delayed or avoided altogether, and expensive polluting power plants don't have to produce as much electricity. That saves everyone money on their electric bills while also cutting the use of...