Governor Mills, Efficiency Maine Announce Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan Initiative to Cut Energy Costs in Public Buildings, Save Taxpayer Dollars

Funding now available from Governor’s Jobs Plan for smaller communities to reduce energy costs and create savings for taxpayers

Norridgewock, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills and Efficiency Maine today announced the availability of $4 million from the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan to help small communities cut energy costs in public buildings and save taxpayer dollars by improving energy efficiency.


This opportunity from Efficiency Maine for towns, cities, and Tribal lands of fewer than 5,000 residents is the latest in a series of energy efficiency initiatives supported by a $50 million investment from Governor Janet Mills’ Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan.

Other initiatives have targeted efficiency upgrades in Maine’s hospitality sector, public schools, and installation of Level 2 EV chargers in rural communities, as well as helping more Maine households save money with improved insulation and weatherization.


Funds for this initiative will be used primarily on investments to reduce consumption of heating oil and propane by switching heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to high-performance heat pump systems that deliver efficient, clean heating and air conditioning. Other eligible projects will include interior and exterior LED lighting, refrigeration upgrades, and wood-heat systems.

“Every Maine community is considering ways to become more energy efficient and less dependent on imported fossil fuels to help save money,” said Governor Janet Mills. “With this funding from my Jobs Plan through Efficiency Maine, local leaders have a partner in my Administration to cut their energy consumption and costs and to create savings for taxpayers – a win-win.” 
“We’re excited to offer this promotion with financial support from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan to help Maine’s smaller municipalities upgrade aging energy systems,” said Michael Stoddard, Executive Director of the Efficiency Maine Trust. “This initiative can help budget-strapped towns ease the burden on their taxpayers, and support energy independence and resilience while paving the way to a more sustainable clean energy future.”
“Through Efficiency Maine and programs like the Community Resilience Partnership, which offers grants to towns, cities and tribal governments to pursue climate priorities, Maine communities have more options than ever to save money and reduce emissions through energy efficiency and efficient heating solutions,” said Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and co-chair of the Maine Climate Council. “This is a win-win for communities and for taxpayers, as continued investments in efficiency will save money in the near-term, while protecting our people, economy and environment from the impacts of the climate crisis for the long-term.”
“Efforts like this are having positive impacts in Maine communities,” said Catherine Conlow, Executive Director of the Maine Municipal Association. “In the past few months, these investments have helped municipalities make energy-related improvements to aging buildings, as result reducing associated heating and lighting costs and increasing employee morale as working environments become more comfortable. Towns and cities exploring energy efficiency possibilities, as well as a seeking a return on investment for their property taxpayers are encouraged to explore this program.” 

Efficiency Maine announced this funding opportunity today in Norridgewock, a leading example of municipal energy efficiency. The town’s fire department, airport, library, municipal garage, wastewater facility, and town offices all completed lighting projects and reduced the town’s annual electricity usage by more than 46,000 kilowatt hours, equal to the average annual electricity usage of seven Maine homes. Norridgewock also installed heat pumps in its fire station, airport terminal, and library, saving more than $2,000 in heating fuel costs. 

 

Efficiency Maine will post photos and B-roll of today’s press event HERE.


“These incentives are too good to leave on the table,” said Norridgewock Town Manager Richard LaBelle. “Like most municipalities, we face the ever-expanding pressure to keep taxes down. We were able to upgrade our lighting and install heat pumps at a fraction of the cost. The new lighting literally transformed these buildings, making them more inviting for public visitors and more pleasant workspaces. And the heat pumps enabled us to remove window air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and heaters under staff desks. “To me, that shows we’re doing what’s best for our community by being smart with our budgets and a wise guardian of the taxpayer dollar.”

To be eligible for these funds, communities must have a population fewer than 5,000 residents based on 2020 Maine census data. Efficiency Maine will accept applications until August 31, 2023, or until funds are exhausted. Accepted projects must be completed by February 28, 2024.


Efficiency Maine is holding three webinars on this new funding opportunity to further inform interested parties. For more information on the qualifying equipment and other eligibility details, please visit Efficiency Maine’s website. Communities with more than 5,000 people may qualify for other public sector incentives, which can be found here.

Since 2019, more than 80,000 new high-efficiency heat pumps have been installed across Maine to address the state’s nation-leading dependency on heating oil and reduce harmful carbon emissions. The state’s climate plan, Maine Won’t Wait, has targeted installing 100,000 new heat pumps in Maine by 2025.


This new program builds on actions already taken by the Mills Administration to reduce costs for Maine people grappling with increased prices for heating fuel and electricity driven by volatile global fossil fuel markets. Those actions include:


 Returning more than half of the state’s budget surplus to Maine people through $850 inflation relief checks;


Efficiency Maine is an independent administrator of programs in Maine to increase energy efficiency and reduce

greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through offering financial incentives on the purchase of high-efficiency equipment or helping customers change operations to reduce energy costs. Visit efficiencymaine.com for more information.


The Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan is the Governor’s plan, approved by the Legislature, to invest nearly $1 billion in Federal American Rescue Plan funds to improve the lives of Maine people and families, help businesses, create good-paying jobs, and build an economy poised for future prosperity.


It draws heavily on recommendations from the Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee and the State’s 10-Year Economic Development Strategy, transforming them into real action to improve the lives of Maine people and strengthen the economy.


If you are looking to improve your home's effdecenty by installing insulation or with air sealing services, check out the rebate program here.

September in Maine: It's Time to Get Ready for the Cold

By Mattra Inc • September 16, 2025
September in Maine: It's Time to Get Ready for the Cold The air is getting crisp, the days are getting shorter, and that first real chill of September is a reminder that winter is right around the corner. If you're anything like us, you're not exactly looking forward to those high heating bills. You’re probably picturing a drafty living room, cold floors, and that thermostat you keep nudging higher and higher just to feel comfortable. But what if you didn't have to? This isn't about just surviving another Maine winter; it’s about thriving. It’s about being truly comfortable in your own home, without the constant stress of watching your energy costs climb. The secret? Proper insulation and air sealing. Investing in your home's insulation now is the smartest thing you can do. It’s like putting money in the bank. You spend a little up front to save a lot later. We’ve seen it time and again—homeowners can slash their energy consumption by as much as half. Imagine what you could do with that extra cash every month. Our Solutions for a Warmer, Cozier Home At Mattra, we know what a Maine winter demands. That’s why we offer solutions that actually work. Closed Cell Spray Foam - This is our top-tier solution, and it’s a game-changer for a home’s efficiency. When applied, this foam expands into a dense, rigid material that creates an incredible air and moisture barrier. We use it to seal crawl spaces, basements, and exterior walls. Think about that cold basement feeling—spray foam completely eliminates it. By sealing those critical areas, you prevent a tremendous amount of heat loss and stop cold, damp air from entering your living space. This is more than just insulation; it's a complete building envelope upgrade that also adds structural integrity and helps prevent moisture issues and mold growth. It's the ultimate defense against the Maine elements. Blown-In Cellulose - Made from recycled paper products, blown-in cellulose is one of the most eco-friendly insulation options available. We use a powerful hose to blow the material into attics and enclosed wall cavities. The tiny paper fibers pack together to form a seamless blanket of insulation, leaving no gaps for air to escape. It's especially effective in attics, where heat naturally rises and escapes. A properly insulated attic can be the single biggest factor in lowering your heating costs. Beyond its thermal performance, cellulose also has excellent sound-dampening qualities, making your home quieter and more peaceful by blocking out exterior noise. Dense Packing Walls - For older homes that were built without any wall insulation—a common issue in Maine—dense packing is a perfect solution. Instead of tearing down all your interior walls, we can drill small holes and inject cellulose or other materials directly into the wall cavities. This fills every empty space behind your drywall or plaster. The material is packed in so tightly that it significantly reduces drafts and heat loss. It's a non-invasive way to bring an old home's energy performance up to modern standards, drastically improving comfort and saving you money without the mess and high cost of a full renovation. Targeted Air Sealing - Insulation is only half the battle. You could have the best insulation in the world, but if air is leaking in and out of your home, you're still wasting energy. We specialize in using foam to meticulously air seal the two biggest culprits for drafts: your basement and your attic. We target the penetrations where pipes, wires, and framing meet, which are often the main pathways for air leakage. By sealing these critical areas, we prevent the "stack effect," where warm air rises and escapes from the top of your house, pulling cold air in from the bottom. Sealing these areas with foam is a fundamental step that makes all other insulation work more effectively, ensuring your home holds onto the heat you’re paying for. This Is Where It Gets Even Better: Rebates! As a licensed vendor with Efficiency Maine , we can help you access substantial rebates for your weatherization project. This isn't just a small discount—we're talking about real money that makes a huge difference. You are entitled to at least $4,000 in rebates for your project, with the potential for even more depending on your income. We will personally guide you through the process, ensuring you receive every dollar you're entitled to from these incredible programs. This makes an already smart financial decision an absolute no-brainer. Don't wait for winter to sneak up on you. Let's make this year different. Reach out to us at Mattra today for a free consultation. We’d love to help you make your home the comfortable, energy-efficient sanctuary it should be.

Maine Attic Nightmares: Condensation, Mold, and Protecting Your Home

By Mattra Inc • August 18, 2025
That musty smell. The faint water stains on your attic ceiling. Maybe you’ve even spotted some unwelcome dark spots. If you’re a Maine homeowner, especially in our older homes, these could be signs of a serious problem brewing in your attic: condensation leading to mold growth. It's a more common issue than you might think, and it can have significant consequences for your home’s health and your wallet. Why is your Maine attic suddenly feeling like a rainforest? The culprit is often a perfect storm of factors we see frequently here at Mattra: a lack of proper air sealing and insufficient insulation. Think of your warm, humid indoor air rising into the colder attic space. Without proper air barriers, this warm, moisture-laden air sneaks through cracks and openings around wiring, plumbing, and light fixtures. Once this warm, moist air hits the cold surfaces in your uninsulated attic – like the roof sheathing – it cools rapidly. Just like water beading on a cold glass on a summer day, this cooling air releases its excess moisture in the form of condensation. And in a Maine winter, those surfaces stay cold for a long time! Several other common issues exacerbate this problem. That uninsulated attic hatch? It’s a direct pathway for warm, humid air to escape. An uninsulated chimney acts as another cold surface where condensation can form. And those bathroom and dryer vents that aren’t properly ducted to the outside? They’re pumping even more moisture directly into your attic – a recipe for disaster. So, what happens when all this condensation builds up? That’s where mold enters the picture. Mold spores are everywhere, both indoors and out. They thrive in damp, dark environments with organic materials to feed on – like the wood in your attic. Consistent condensation provides the perfect breeding ground. As mold grows, it doesn't just create unsightly stains and that telltale musty odor. It actively deteriorates the materials it grows on. Over time, mold can weaken the structural integrity of your roof sheathing and rafters, leading to costly repairs. It can also damage any stored items in your attic. Beyond the structural damage, mold growth can also impact your indoor air quality. Mold spores can become airborne and circulate throughout your home, potentially triggering allergic reactions, asthma symptoms, and other respiratory issues for you and your family. As a licensed vendor with Efficiency Maine , we understand the importance of a healthy home environment. The good news? These attic issues are often fixable! Proper air sealing prevents that warm, humid air from entering the attic in the first place. Adequate insulation helps maintain a more consistent temperature in the attic, reducing those cold surfaces where condensation forms. Insulating the attic hatch and chimney are crucial details often overlooked. And ensuring your bathroom and dryer vents are correctly ducted to the exterior is essential for removing excess moisture from your home. Addressing attic condensation and mold growth is an investment in your home's long-term health and your family's well-being. If you suspect you have an issue in your Maine attic, don't wait for the problem to worsen. Contact the experts at Mattra right here in Lewiston. We can assess your attic, identify the sources of condensation, and recommend the best solutions for mold remediation and preventing future problems through proper air sealing and insulation. Protecting your Maine home starts from the top down!