Wind Energy Potential:
Average Power: 6390 MW
Annual Energy: 56 BkWh
U.S. Ranking: 19th

SMALL WIND in
MAINE


This page provides information specific to public policies, incentive programs, wind resources, and organizational resources for installing and operating a small wind turbine in Maine. 

AWEA’s Web site also contains general information that is helpful regardless of which state you live in, including a Communications Toolbox for Wind Energy Advocates.  You will find the information below more useful if you first read the general information available in the small turbine section.
Net Metering
FYI:
For general information about net metering, please read Net Metering - Frequently Asked Questions.

Since 1987, net metering has been available in Maine for the state's qualified cogeneration and small power production facilities with a maximum capacity of 100 kW regulated under the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC). When Maine's legislature enacted a restructuring law that provided for retail competition starting March 1, 2000, the PUC issued new net metering rules to apply to fuel cells, tidal power, solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass, and generators fueled by municipal solid waste in conjunction with recycling.  
 
Net excess generation can be credited to the following month until an annual period ends, at which point all excess generation is granted to the utility at no cost. A utility may install additional meters to record purchases and sales separately, provided that net metering customers are not subject to additional costs. There is no limit on the amount of energy generated through net metering. However, the rules call on utilities to notify the PUC if the cumulative capacity of net metered facilities reaches 0.5% of its peak demand; at that time, the PUC will review the rules to determine whether they should continue or be modified. For more information contact Maine Public Utilities Commission.
FYI:
For general information about technical interconnection issues, please read Technical Interconnection - Frequently Asked Questions.

Technical Interconnection Issues 

In late 2003, the PUC issued a report that noted that few interconnection issues have been encountered in Maine and that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission was addressing small generator interconnects. The report recommended that no legislative action be taken.
FYI:
For general information about contractual interconnection issues, please read Contractual Interconnection - Frequently Asked Questions
Non-Technical Requirements for Interconnection

Individual utilities are required to follow national guidelines.
FYI:
Background information can be found at the Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Community Affairs Web Site

Local or State Incentive Programs for Wind Energy Investments

Renewable Resources Matching Fund Program

The Renewable Resources Matching Fund (RRMF), created by the state's Public Benefits Fund, supports renewable resource research & development and community demonstration projects using renewable energy technologies.  
 
As outlined, the funding must be used to support research and development projects for the University of Maine System, the Maine Maritime Academy or the Maine Technical College System, and for Maine-based nonprofit organizations for demonstration community projects using renewable energy technologies.  For more information contact the Maine Technology Institute.
Utility Incentives & Policies

Renewables Portfolio Standard

The Maine PUC adopted a Renewable Resource Portfolio Requirement rule in 1999. The rule requires electric providers to supply at least 30% of their total retail electric sales in Maine with electricity from eligible renewable resources.
 
A renewable resource may also be a generation facility of 100 MW or less that uses fuel cells, tidal power, solar arrays and installations, wind power installations, geothermal installations, hydroelectric generators, biomass generators, or generators fueled by municipal solid waste in conjunction with recycling. In addition to renewables, the portfolio standard can be met with "efficient resources," specifically, qualified cogeneration facilities.  
 
In June 2003 the PUC adopted an order (Docket No. 2002-494) amending the Renewable Resource Portfolio Requirement rule to incorporate the use of renewable energy credits to satisfy the portfolio requirement.  
 
On or before July 1 of each year, each competitive electricity provider must submit an annual report that contains information that documents compliance with the portfolio requirement over the previous compliance period.

Electric providers that fail to comply with the 30% renewable requirement are subject to penalties including include license revocation, an optional payment into a renewable resource research and development fund, or other monetary penalties determined by the Maine PUC. For more information contact Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Public Benefits Program

The Maine public benefits program was enacted as part of the state’s 1997 electric restructuring law, and the programs are being implemented through rulemakings by the Maine PUC. In general, the law provides funding for energy efficiency and low-income assistance programs based on 1999 levels. Renewables receive funding only through voluntary customer contributions.  
 
Despite no mandated funding level for renewables as part of the Maine public benefits program, the law directed the MPUC to develop a voluntary program allowing consumers to contribute to a renewable energy program. The MPUC has ruled that utilities must offer customers the option to check off a contribution of $1, $5, $10 or other amount each month on their electric bill. At least every six months, each utility must notify customers about the existence, purpose, means to contribute to the fund, and summaries of the projects that have been funded.  For more information contact Maine Public Utilities Commission.
FYI:
Be sure to review AWEA's Frequently Asked Questions on Wind Resources.

Wind Resource Information

The US Department of Energy has produced wind resource maps for each state. The map for Maine can be found here. You may also find the definitions of Wind Power Classes for the maps helpful.

The US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network have also validated the True Wind’s wind resource data for Maine. 

You may also find useful information at the web site for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

You can access the Small Wind Consumer's Guide for Maine here, for extensive information on permitting, land use and technology
Additional Resources

The American Wind Energy Association provides a list of wind turbine manufacturers. For a list of wind turbine installers in your area, please contact the manufacturers.

Source Guides offer a list of renewable energy companies in each state.  To see companies in ME visit their website.
Utility Contacts

The Maine Public Utilities Commission is an independent agency of the State of Maine consisting of three commissioners and a staff of 58, created by the Maine Legislature "to assure safe, reasonable and adequate service at rates that are just and reasonable to customers and public utilities." The Commission has jurisdiction over water utilities, electric utilities, water carriers, gas utilities, telephone utilities, and resellers of telephone services. For more information visit the Maine PUC website.
Government Contacts

Maine State Energy Program

The US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network maintain a list of state contacts. Here is a direct link to Maine’s State Energy Program, which provides information on energy efficiency and renewable energy, technical assistance, and appropriate referrals to Maine businesses and homeowners. The Program helps organizations wishing to apply for US Department of Energy efficiency and renewable energy grants and explores innovative ways to provide needed services to our constituents while increasing overall energy savings in the State. 

Local Organizations Interested in Renewable Energy Issues

The Maine Green Power Connection (MeGPC)

This organization exists to build interest in and market support for environmentally beneficial electricity products. By educating consumers and supporting green power suppliers, MeGPC looks toward a day when all new generation in Maine comes from non-polluting sources.  For more information visit the website of the Maine Energy Investment Corporation.

Last Updated: April 2005.

Feedback
Keeping an information database such as this one useful and up-to-date requires feedback from people using the site. If you have comments or ideas about how to improve this site, please contact: kathy_belyeu@awea.org  Be sure to mention not only your ideas, comments or criticisms, but also the specific URL (Web address) for the page.
 

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