To celebrate 10th anniversary of the SunriseGuide, we wanted to shine a light on Mainers who are creating real change in their communities. Their efforts have resulted in significant advances in the areas of sustainability, environmental health and wellness in Maine over the past ten years. These champions work tirelessly—often under the radar—improving access to…
An interview with Andy Meyer of Efficiency Maine The SunriseGuide sat down with Efficiency Maine’s Andy Meyer to learn more about heat pump water heaters and why more and more Maine homeowners are making the switch to these new high-efficiency water heating systems. SunriseGuide: Andy, many homeowners have heard about heat pumps. But what is…
By Barry Woods, Director of Electric Mobility NE Mainers use a lot of oil compared to our neighbors. We devote a higher percentage of our household incomes to oil than the national average. In fact, we spend more per capita on energy than 39 other states. While we know we use too much of it to…
Renewable energy options for Maine homeowners By Stephanie Cheney There has never been a better time for home owners to invest in renewable energy. Generous financial incentives and technological advances offer many choices for Maine homeowners looking to save money, own their power, reduce carbon emissions and stabilize energy costs into the future. Efficiency Maine,…
By Stephanie Cheney Saving money and using less energy are terrific goals for a homeowner, but where do you start? Whether you own your own home or are looking to purchase one, Maine has plenty of resources to get you on the energy saving track. SHOW ME THE MONEY: EFFICIENCY MAINE IS A FIRST STEP…
By Tim King When first time home buyer Tyler Kidder first inquired about a charming 100-year-old bungalow located just outside Portland, Maine, she recalls being a bit nervous about what she might be getting into. However, as a professional in the environmental sustainability field, Tyler was undaunted and drawn to what the “just right” sized…
Hazel Onsrud is the local manager for the Maine Green Power program, the Maine Public Utilities Commission‘s green electricity offering. SRG: What is Maine Green Power? HO: Maine Green Power is the voluntary, renewable energy program sponsored by the Maine Public Utilities Commission. It is the only program which gives Mainers a way to support…
By Merritt Carey If you’ve heard of heat pumps before, you’ve likely heard of them in the context of geothermal heat pumps. There are two types of heat pumps, geothermal and air source. Air source heat pumps have long been used in warmer climates for cooling, but now, thanks to rapidly improving refrigerant technology, air…
By Lora Winslow, MELP, Environmental Advocate With 2012 being the hottest year on record in the United States and recent increases in droughts, wildfires, coastal super storms, and other extreme weather events, climate change is on the minds of many people these days. However, the topic can often be overwhelming, confusing, and discouraging; leaving us…
By Merritt Carey Most of us have heard of pellet stoves before, but pellet boilers are a relatively new phenomenon here in United States. Pellet stoves are a secondary heating source, in contrast, pellet boilers fully replace existing heating systems. In much of Europe, pellet boilers are commonly used as a primary heating source. Over…