Community Calendar

Calling all Maine municipalities! GrowSmart Maine is pleased to announce our March forum, “A Changing Climate: How Municipal Government Can Be Part of the Solution.” On Thursday, March 24th at 8am, we’ll be exploring the various ways in which Maine communities are meeting the challenge, and share resources that others can learn from. Whether you are a Town Manager, Planner, Selectperson, business or homeowner, this event is one you won’t want to miss! Join us at the Freeport Town Hall for a light breakfast, networking and this informative panel. Stay after the program for a solar panel demonstration!

Maine’s municipalities can be the catalyst in creating community solutions to a changing climate. What are the legislative efforts a municipality can take? What are the community and local government efforts? Our panelists will bring a range of examples of what is happening in Maine at the municipal level to reduce energy consumption, develop more renewable sources of energy and to adapt to a changing climate. Hear a municipal perspective on community bulk purchase of solar and what the implementation process for that might look like.

What can municipalities do to reduce energy consumption within town and city government? How can towns help encourage energy conservation and costs savings for businesses and residents? Learn what local governments across Maine who focus on energy challenges have done to develop local solutions, as well as new and existing efficiency programs and rebates in Maine, and how to best take advantage of them!


These local and regional solutions are created at the municipal level and help Mainer’s achieve their goals for a more sustainable community.​ Maine currently spends about $5 billion a year on fossil fuels—including oil, natural gas, propane and gasoline, plus coal-fired electricity – almost $4,000 per year for every Maine citizen. None of this fuel is produced in Maine, and we have no control over its price. We can reduce exposure to price swings by using solar, wind, and renewable biomass for fuel. Moving to other fuels is also good for our economy.

Location:

Freeport Town Hall, 30 Main St, Freeport

Panelists:

Donna Larson — Town of Freeport & Solarize Freeport
Vaughan Woodruff — Insource Renewables/Solarize Freeport
Kimberly Darling & Larry Pritchett — Municipal Street Lighting Group
Dana Fischer — Efficiency Maine

Moderator:
Rachel Bouvier, rbouvier consulting

Program:

8-8:15am Networking and breakfast

8:20-8:45am, Solarize Freeport: A municipal perspective with Solarize & community bulk purchase. An installer perspective on the program implementation and process.

8:45-9:10am, Municipal Street Lighting Group: How much electricity is used in your community? How much power does local government consume? What tools and options do towns have to lower energy costs to taxpayers, improve municipal services, and lower carbon emissions?

For several years South Portland, Rockland, and Falmouth have worked together on municipal energy initiatives including a total overhaul of the state’s laws governing street lighting. We will touch on topics ranging from energy retrofits in a 1904 Carnegie Library to a municipal climate action plan to the potential for municipal community solar projects as examples of the many opportunities for municipalities to be leaders on energy.

9:10-9:35am, Efficiency Maine:Focus on engaging municipalities to set up bulk purchase, but also to take advantage of other/already existing rebates. Engage municipal officials on what can be done back in their communities and hear successes in Freeport, the Islands, etc.

9:35-10am, Q&A

https://growsmartmaine.org/events/smart-growth-forums/climate-change-how-municipal-government-can-be-part-of-the-solution-our-march-breakfast-forum/

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