The Maine Public Utilities Commission approved the Efficiency Maine Trust’s Triennial Plan VI, which includes several state energy efficiency initiatives.

The plan is expected to result in $492 million in suppression of electricity rates, 38,000 homes heated entirely with heat pumps, 9,900 homes weatherized and $43 million invested in small businesses. 

“The approval of Efficiency Maine’s Triennial Plan is welcome news for Maine, ensuring continued support for nation-leading energy efficiency initiatives that save Maine people and businesses money while reducing our overall energy costs,” said Dan Burgess, director of the Maine Governor’s energy office, in a statement. “The plan has been thoughtfully designed to maximize benefits to ratepayers while making key investments in Maine’s building and transportation infrastructure.” 

The plan will be implemented from 2026 through 2028 and enables the Trust to continue offering its core energy efficiency incentive programs to Maine people and businesses. On average across the programs funded through the plan, benefits are found to outweigh program costs by a ratio greater than 3:1.

The Plan takes into account the Maine Energy Plan, which was released in January, along with Maine Won’t Wait and other state energy and climate initiatives. 

Last month, Maine ranked 10th in the nation for most energy-efficient economy, according to the latest scorecard published by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.