Congresswoman Chellie Pingree says programs to help homeowners weatherize will save money, create jobs here in Maine

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree visited a home in Portland today where recent energy efficiency improvements are expected to save the homeowners 25% on next winter’s heating bill.  Pingree says rebate programs to help pay for the improvements are good for the local economy.
 
“Making weatherization more affordable for homeowners not only helps people save on their heating bills, it creates jobs right here in Maine that can’t be exported,” Pingree said.  “From construction workers and contractors to local building supply companies, when people make their homes more energy efficient, everyone wins.”

Pingree spoke at the home of Lindsey and Aaron Hagan in Portland, first-time homeowners who recently underwent an energy audit and undertook energy efficiency improvements.  The Hagans expect to save 25% on their energy bills next winter and will get a rebate of $1,500 through a Recovery Act funded program of Efficiency Maine.  But even more rebates would be available under the Home Star program that Pingree co-sponsored and that passed the House last week. 
 
“This legislation will put out of work construction workers back on the job,” said Ashley Richards, a building professional from Yarmouth.  Richards, who is also on the national board of the National Association of Homebuilders, said Home Star will generate work for many Maine companies.
 
Home Star works two ways:
 
·      The Silver Star program gives up-front rebates of up to $3,000 for the installation of specific energy-saving technologies, including insulation, duct sealing, windows and doors, air sealing, and water heaters.

 
·     The Gold Star program rewards homeowners who conduct a comprehensive energy audit and implement a full complement of measures to reduce energy use throughout the home.  Consumers will receive $3,000, or half the cost, for measures that reduce energy use by 20 percent, and can receive up to $8,000 when additional energy savings are achieved.

 
The Recovery Act also created federal tax rebates of up to $1,500 when homeowners make energy efficiency improvements and last month Maine received a $30 million federal grant to set up a loan fund to help families finance the improvements.