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.