Solar & Battery Regulation & Incentive Programs

Energy Efficiency Targets

Program Overview


Category:
Regulatory Policy
Program Type:
Energy Efficiency Resource Standard
Implementing Sector:
State
State:
Maine
Eligible Storage Technologies:
Yes; specific technologies not identified
Electric Sales Reduction:
20% reduction by 2020
Electric Peak Demand Reduction:
300 MW reduction by 2020
Natural Gas Sales Reduction:
20% by 2020
Rate Impact Parameters:
Yes
Applicable Sectors:
Investor-Owned Utility, Municipal Utilities, Cooperative Utilities
Last Updated:
12/09/2020

Summary

Origin

In June 2009, Maine enacted the Act Regarding Maine's Energy Future, which established the Efficiency Maine Trust (EMT). As a part of this Act, the Trust is responsible for creating a plan to reach a series of energy efficiency targets, which are: 

  • 300 MW reduction in peak-load electricity consumption by 2020
  • 20% reduction in electricity and natural gas consumption
  • 20% reduction in heating fuel consumption
  • Weatherization of 100% of homes willing to participate by 2030
  • Creating private sector jobs providing alternative energy and energy efficiency products and services in the State by 2020
  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the heating and cooling of buildings in the state by 10% below 1990 levels by 2020

Triennial plans must be approved by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). The first triennial plan was approved by the Commission in July 2010, and expired at the end of 2013. The overall goals and the programs are directed at consumers rather than utilities. Currently, the plan which covers Fiscal Year 2020-2022 is in effect.

Electric and Natural Gas Sales and Demand Reductions

In pursuance of these goals, the Trust must develop triennial plans describing a three-year plan, programs, and implementation strategies for reaching these goals, as well as other energy efficiency and renewable energy goals. The approved plan spanning the current 2020-2022 triennial plan period, approved by the Maine Public Utilities Commission, can be found here.

Program Administrator Type

The EMT administers all the programs required for meeting the state's targets during each triennial period, and serves as Maine's "energy efficiency utility".

Cost-Effectiveness and Program Evaluation

The EMT (and the MPUC) uses the Total Resource Cost (TRC) test, one of the five "California tests" from the California Standard Practice Manual, as its primary test for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of its programs.

Utility Cost Recovery Measures

The EMT's programs are funded by a variety of funding sources, including revenues from the ISO New England Forward Capacity Market (FCM), the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Maine's System Benefit Charge. 

While Central Maine Power recently received permission to decouple its revenue from its sales, it is currently the only utility pursuing such an approach. 


Authorities

NameEnacted DateEffective DateExpired Date
35-A MRSA §10104 et seq.06/12/200907/01/2010
MPUC Order, Docket No. 2013-00168 (Order Approving Central Maine Power Decoupling Mechanism)
Efficiency Maine Trust 2020-2022 Triennial Plan