On July 2, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed legislation creating the Maine Department of Energy Resources, which will expand the role of the current Maine Governor’s Energy Office (GEO). The new, cabinet-level department will focus on leading policy for the state with a focus on affordable, reliable and increasingly clean energy for Maine and is given new authority to procure energy from clean and affordable sources
The new Maine Department of Energy Resources will continue GEO’s core duties related to energy resources, policies, planning, data, markets, energy security, and program implementation. In addition to its core duties, the Department will oversee regular comprehensive energy planning for the state, develop and implement policies and programs to ensure that all households and businesses in the state have access to affordable, reliable, and resilient energy supplies. Additionally, the Department will collect and organize state energy data and publish an energy plan every two years, run regular procurements of renewable energy needed to meet the state’s goals, coordinate and plan for energy security needs, provide technical assistance, manage workforce and innovation programs and manage other programs such as solar and storage initiatives and grid improvement grants. It will also maintain coordination with state agencies, the PUC, and regional and federal partners.
“This is a major milestone for Maine’s energy future. By creating a cabinet-level energy department, Maine is preparing not just for the challenges of today, but for what lies ahead,” said Dan Burgess, Director of the Governor’s Energy Office. “Energy decisions affect the cost and reliability of power for every Maine household and business. The new department can help ensure those decisions are carefully planned, future-ready, and focused on Maine’s needs.”
“Governor Mills’ energy leadership through smart policy and planning continues with the creation of the Maine Department of Energy Resources, a move that elevates and strengthens the role of Maine’s energy office,” said David Terry, President of the National Association of State Energy Officials. “Through this legislation, Maine joins a growing number of states where leaders on both sides of the aisle are elevating state energy offices to support cost-effective and cleaner energy solutions.”
Through elevating the role of the State Energy Office, Maine’s leadership is strengthening coordination, improving planning, providing clear energy policy direction and guidance for the state, and better equipping the state to be able to respond to market changes and evaluate new technologies with clarity and consistency of purpose. For more information, please contact Afton Vigue with the Maine Governor’s Energy Office at afton.vigue@maine.gov.