DESCRIPTION:

November 20 - Forum and E2Tech Annual Meeting

John Brautigam, Maine PUC Energy Programs Director, and Tim Vrabel, Deputy Director, will provide details on $37 million to be distributed among Maine’s industrial, municipal, commercial and residential sectors

Registration, continental breakfast, and networking starts at 7:30 AM

E2Tech’s Annual Meeting will be held from 8:00 – 8:20 AM

The forum presentation with Q & A will run from 8:20 – 9:10 AM.

Forum - John Brautigam, Maine PUC Energy Programs Director, and Tim Vrabel, Deputy Director, will provide details on the $37 million coming to Maine to be distributed among industrial, municipal, commercial and residential sectors from within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) during the November 20 E2Tech forum to be held at Maine Audubon, Falmouth.  These funds are becoming available from the PUC’s Efficiency Maine through RFP’s, and by November the money will be flowing.

In addition Efficiency Maine is in communications with the Department of Energy regarding yet another opportunity that could represent approximately another $60 million for Maine.

Sharon Reishus, Chair of Maine’s Public Utilities Commission, indicates:

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has allowed the Maine Public Utilities Commission to launch several programs that will save energy, benefit the environment, and create lasting economic benefits for the people of Maine.  Through Efficiency Maine, we are investing in our future while creating immediate benefits for communities across the state.  We encourage all businesses and residents to take advantage of the Efficiency Maine programs.

Specific program highlights include:

• A $9,100,000 non-low income weatherization program

 • Small business efficiency grants up to $50,000

 • Large project funding up to $1,000,000

 • Additional ARRA money for renewable energy investment

RFP’s for this program are announced on the MPUC web at: http://www.state.me.us/mpuc/online/rfps/index.shtml

John Brautigam notes:

There are energy efficiency opportunities for all sectors, and we’re encouraging everyone to review the proposals and move forward on the project they’ve been considering but haven’t been able to afford. Our goals are to improve energy efficiency through cost-effective projects, create jobs, improve the environment, and help Maine recover from very tough economic times.

John Brautigam was appointed to his position as Energy Programs Director of Maine PUC’s Efficiency Maine in April 2009.  He is a former State Representative of Falmouth.  His distinguished career in public service included two years on the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Utilities and Energy, which gave him a deep understanding of, and passion for, energy issues.  He sponsored the governor's bill that created state incentives for the installation of solar energy systems by residents and business, a program that has proven highly popular; and another bill which required the PUC to examine the costs and benefits of Maine’s continued participation in the regional energy grid.  John is a graduate of Wesleyan University and the Stanford University Law School, where he edited the Stanford Law Review.  He has served in private practice, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maine.

Tim Vrabel, Deputy Director of Efficiency Maine, has a 30-year background in the energy field.  During the energy crisis in the 1970s, he served as an energy extension agent for the Office of Energy Resources in Aroostook County and in western Maine.  He earned utility expertise by working for Central Maine Power Company for several years.  Tim has served on E2Tech’s Board of Directors since November 2008.

 E2Tech is inviting sponsorships for this forum

 A sponsorship costs $250 and provides the following:

• Your logo on the E2Tech website (http://e2tech.org/) and on all outgoing event-specific email notifications to E2Tech members and supporters.  Typically, there are four email notifications per event received by more than 600 individuals throughout Maine.

• Company/organization name highlighted on the Mainebiz web banner ads promoting the forum at www.mainebiz.biz

• Special recognition during the forum, and if desired, an opportunity for literature, signage, and a small booth at the forum.

Those interested in sponsorship of this forum should contact Sam Townsend at 207-767-5283 or at director@e2tech.org.