The City of Bangor announces the launch of EnergySmart Bangor, a residential rebate program the City initiated with Efficiency Maine. The program helps Bangor residents save on energy expenses by reducing the cost of energy efficiency upgrades. The program is offered to all Bangor residents of owner-occupied properties that qualify for the Home Energy Savings Program (HESP) through Efficiency Maine. EnergySmart Bangor rebates can be used for upgrades including air sealing, insulation, supplemental heating systems, and more. The amount of EnergySmart Bangor rebates offered vary by project, but in many cases can nearly double the amount of rebates offered by Efficiency Maine.
Sean Faircloth, City Council Chair, states, “Decreasing the winter heating bill for a significant portion of Bangor homeowners is one of the reasons I felt so strongly about initiating this program in the first place. In addition to the financial savings, the EnergySmart Bangor program will also modernize Bangor’s housing stock and decrease Bangor’s contribution to pollution and global warming. With this initiative, Bangor establishes itself as a leader regarding the environment – while helping residents save money.”
The partnership between the City of Bangor and Efficiency Maine is a first of its kind and could become a template for other municipalities. “Efficiency Maine is excited to be working with the City of Bangor to boost the number of homeowners taking advantage of energy efficiency and heating upgrade rebates. The EnergySmart Bangor initiative is a great model for municipalities across the state to help encourage residents to make improvements that lower energy use and support the local economy and workforce” says Dana Fisher, Residential Program Manager at Efficiency Maine.
Funding for the EnergySmart Bangor rebates are only available while funds last and are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis through a rebate reservation system. To obtain a rebate reservation number, Bangor residents can call (207) 992-4284 or email energysmartbangor@bangormaine.gov. Residents must provide their name, the physical address of the property receiving the efficiency upgrades, a quoted price from an Efficiency Maine registered vendor, the estimated installation date and a return phone number.
More information about the EnergySmart Bangor program along with rebate forms can be found online at www.bangormaine.gov/energysmartbangor or by calling the City at (207) 992-4284.
The public can learn about energy efficiency projects and connect with a number of Efficiency Maine registered vendors at the Bangor Energy Expo at the Cross Insurance Center on Tuesday, August 16th from 3 PM to 7 PM. The Bangor Energy Expo is free and open to the public. It is anticipated that 15 to 20 vendors will be attending, with some indicating special one-time expo pricing. Representatives from Efficiency Maine and the City of Bangor will be in attendance to answer questions about their respective rebate programs.