Forum urges residents to ‘plug the holes’

Speakers at a public energy forum hosted by Maine State Senator Kevin Raye and Husson College described the present high cost of energy as a crisis situation for Washington County as well as for the nation. The forum was held July 29 at the Boat School in Eastport.

"With record high costs for gasoline, diesel and home heating oil, everyone is worried C especially about keeping warm this winter," said Raye. "The advent of cold weather in a few months threatens to plunge many people into crisis, so we need to do whatever we can to prepare. Hopefully, the information presented at this forum will help people explore effective ways to minimize the cost of keeping warm this winter."

One recurrent message from speakers representing various agencies was to "plug the holes." The loss of energy from poorly insulated homes is tremendous, and 80% of Maine homeowners are dependent on oil to heat their homes. Representatives from the agencies, which included the Maine State Housing Authority, Efficiency Maine and Washington-Hancock Community Agency, presented information on ways homeowners and businesses can increase energy efficiency.

There are 477,000 single-family dwellings and 7,100 apartment buildings with 50,000 units throughout Maine. Weatherizing all residential units in Maine would reduce fuel use by 18% and save $1.7 billion.

Dale McCormick of the Maine State Housing Authority recommended three measures a homeowner can do: plug holes in the house, insulate water pipes and add a little insulation to the attic. The agency administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is taking applications through April 2009. LIHEAP pays a portion of a participating customer's home heating costs. Customers must choose one of several participating fuel suppliers. Payment is usually made directly to the supplier.

The USDA Rural Development 504 Repair and Rehabilitation Loan Program provides assistance to elderly and very low-income families in making home improvements. Eligible applicants must have an adjusted annual family income that does not exceed the very low income limits for household size and the county where the home is located.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission administers Efficiency Maine, a statewide electricity efficiency program that helps residences, businesses and schools reduce energy costs through energy audits, incentives and loans. Efficiency Maine representatives noted that the biggest home energy users are heating systems, water heaters, refrigerators, air conditioners, washers and dryers, dehumidifiers, home office equipment and freezers.

Approximately 90 area residents attended the energy forum. They were told that those who are in trouble or who know someone who is cold or is in jeopardy from the cold should call 211 for help. A caring and concerned neighbor can be a real lifeline as temperatures drop.